Player Portrait

Virginia McCarthy

Violin

First season with the Oregon Symphony:

1976-1977

Most influential teacher(s):

I would have to say my very first violin teacher, William Tritt, who passed away a few years ago, was the most influential teacher in my life. He was a nurturing, father-like mentor with a reverence for music, the great composers, and the violin itself, all of which made an indelible impression on me as a young student.

Earliest musical memory:

Thinking that I wanted to play the clarinet when instrument sign-up time came in grade school music class, then hearing a violinist play that Sunday morning in church and forgetting that there was ever any other instrument for me except the violin.

"I first knew I would make music my career when ... "

went to music camp one summer for the first time at the university I would later attend as a college student. The only side track was that I thought I wanted to teach public school music. That turned out to be a phase, and I went on to thinking about ultimately playing in an orchestra.

"Other than performing music, I've always thought it might be fun to be a ... "

Private investigator, which will crack everyone in the orchestra up, as I have the reputation of being the resident snoop.

Favorite composer and/or period?

I love them all for the reasons they are all so different. Beethoven, Prokofiev and Barber are particular favorites, although I love Mahler, Berlioz, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich. ... I could go on!

What does this photograph say about your life?

Balance and simplicity appeal to me. No props but those that are necessary to achieve my goals.

What do you enjoy most about performing?

Those rare performances when I am so moved and know within myself that no other art form evokes such singular feelings of intense expression and deep personal satisfaction.

Other than playing great music, what do you see as the Symphony's most important role?

We are the model of professionalism in music for the state of Oregon. We have the duty to carry on the great tradition of fine orchestral playing and educational outreach to enrich the lives of everyone we touch.

What is your favorite part of being a member of the Oregon Symphony?

I have the greatest respect for the artistry of my colleagues with whom I am privileged to make music. I feel very fortunate to be able to make a living doing something so personally fulfilling.

Player Portrait