Catherine Molina
Principal viola
Catherine Molina enjoys an exciting, multi-faceted career, as a performer, pedagogue, and arts administrator. Catherine is the Director of Open Strings Music Studio, a member the Royal Conservatory of Music’s College of Examiners and is an active member of the Association of Canadian Women Composers. In addition to maintaining a busy teaching studio, Catherine is the violist of the Artelli String Quartet and the newly formed flute, harp and viola trio, Petites Etoiles. Together with Jeff Enns, she is the co-Artistic Director of a Tuesday afternoon chamber series “Music at St Georges”.
Catherine is the principal violist with the Guelph Symphony Orchestra, having previously served as a principal player in the Thunder Bay Symphony and the Toronto Sinfonietta. Catherine is a performance graduate of the University of Toronto, the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria.
What inspired you to pick up your instrument for the first time?
Hearing my grandfather, who played the violin by ear.
Can you share a memorable performance moment that still resonates with you today?
As a sixteen-year-old, I vividly recall playing Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra and being captivated by its vibrant colours and intricate musical exchanges, showcasing the entire orchestra as a collective of soloists. This experience ignited my passion for pursuing a career in music.
Can you share a funny or unexpected backstage story from a past performance?
I remember having to sneak into the audience five minutes before curtain time to find a kind patron with 2.0 reading glasses for a musician who forgot theirs and couldn’t see their music.
If you could have a dinner party with any musician, living or deceased, who would they
be and why?
Missy Mazzoli is my favourite living composer! I love the way she blends classical orchestral sounds with relevant and powerful storytelling.
What is your favourite GSO memory?
Performing Mozart Requiem to a capacity crowd with the University of Guelph Symphonic Choir and Adam Johnson conducting!
Do you play another instrument? Yes, piano and violin
Do you have a current SideQuest? Pursuing my Licentiate in Composition
What is the best thing about being a member of Guelph Symphony?
The most remarkable part of being with the Guelph Symphony Orchestra is definitely the people- our talented musicians, exceptional conductor, Adam, Danny and our dedicated board, along with our enthusiastic audiences. Highlighting young artists and watching their careers, mentoring our incredible youth orchestra, the Kinderconcerts, our outreach concerts and of course, the Pop Up Orchestra Festival-this is what makes GSO special!!
If you couldn’t be a musician, what would you want to be? A cryptologist