Name: Amanda Wirta
Member of DSSO since: 1999
DSSO Position: Violin
Education: University of Wisconsin – Superior
What made you decide to pursue a career in music?
I loved playing in my school orchestra and Youth Orchestra. I had grown up going to the Nutcracker and The Seven Last Words at First Lutheran. Classical music was and is a big part of my life.
What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
Meeting a lot of great musicians in the DSSO. Some come and go, but a lot of them are really good friends.
What made you choose to play violin?
I think I just didn’t know the name of the other instruments? Violin was pretty basic so I just went with that. (Although now I wish I had learned to play the cello…)
What’s the most challenging thing about playing the violin?
The high notes, ha! Just kidding…. Lately it’s been keeping up with some of the younger people and professionals. I’m going on my 20th year with the DSSO but I have a full time day job so I don’t get to practice as much as I like.
Do you have a favorite piece of orchestral repertoire to play and/or listen to?
There are soooo many I could list here but I LOVE Beethoven so it’s been great to be part of the Beethoven project.
When you’re not performing, what do you do for fun?
Knit, crochet, play board games with my son, and travel to lots of MN state parks.
What’s one thing you hope people take away from a DSSO concert?
That classical music can transport you to a whole new world and every time they come to a concert it’s a whole new experience! (So come back!! You won’t be disappointed:)
Do you have any advice for those looking to pursue a career in music?
Practice, practice, practice! Music may only be like a hobby for me now, but it’s still a big part of my life and will be forever, so I’ll keep on practicing:)
