Name: Eric Graf
Member of DSSO since: 2017
DSSO Position: Section Cello
Education: Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance – University of Minnesota
Master of Music in Cello Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy – Cleveland Institute of Music
What made you decide to pursue a career in music?
I loved music from an early age and instinctively knew it was what I needed to do for a living!
What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
Traveling with my graduate school string quartet to Denmark to be “String Quartet of the Year” at the Hvide Sande Masterclass. This involved plenty of travel to give concerts for donors of the Masterclass in various parts of western Denmark on and near the coast, which is so incredibly scenic and wonderful!
What made you choose to play cello?
The high school orchestra students came to my elementary school and I thought the violin was too squeaky! (I have changed my opinion since then 🙂 ).
What’s the most challenging thing about playing the cello?
That changes every day!
Do you have a favorite piece of orchestral repertoire to play and/or listen to?
Ravel Daphnis et Chloe or Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 2
When you’re not performing, what do you do for fun?
Read, travel, or go on long walks (preferably with trees around).
What’s one thing you hope people take away from a DSSO concert?
Greater love for music and a willingness to explore the beauty of new styles of music they might not know as much about.
Do you have any advice for those looking to pursue a career in music?
Work really hard as soon as you can!
