Sheila Smyth
Viola
Sheila Smyth is a busy performer on violin, viola, and treble viola da gamba. She is
the principal violist of Opera York, and, as a freelancer on both modern and early instruments, has worked with many orchestras including Niagara Symphony, Talisker Players, Tafelmusik, Opera Atelier, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, and Windsor Symphony. Sheila has also performed in backup orchestras for various pop artists including Led Zeppelin and Smokey Robinson and in the onstage band for Canadian Idol.
An avid chamber musician, Sheila has appeared with many ensembles and series including Luminato, Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Music Society, Musicians in Ordinary, Scaramella, and Toronto Early Music Centre’s Musically Speaking series. She is also a founding member of Concordo Music and The Cardinal Consort of Viols.
Sheila is an enthusiastic balcony gardener and enjoys hiking and obeying orders from the members of her non-human fur-family.
What inspired you to pick up your instrument for the first time, and how has your journey evolved since then?
I was chosen for “strings” in Grade six. The music teacher handed me a viola, (what is a viola??), and the rest is history!
Can you share a memorable performance moment that still resonates with you today?
Best musical experience: getting to play Beethoven under the baton of Kent Nagano with Tafelmusik. Next-best experience: hearing that GSO hired Adam Johnson, who was Kent Nagano's assistant, as our music director!
How do you prepare mentally and physically before a big concert?
I make sure I've had enough caffeine!
If you could perform in any concert hall around the world, which one would it be and why?
The Concertgebouw -- its great acoustics are legendary!
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring musicians?
Be kind and open to everyone; you’ll love music more that way.
Can you share a funny or unexpected backstage story from a past performance?
On one of my very first engagements as a professional musician, I got lost in the backstage labyrinths of Massey Hall right before the concert start! I did make it onstage in time, but it was way too close for comfort!! (I won’t mention the many times I’ve been lost backstage since! 🙂
What role does collaboration play in your musical life, and how has it enriched your experiences?
We LIVE for collaboration! Practising is a such lonely but necessary part of preparation, so getting together with colleagues to play chamber music or orchestral music is the true pleasure.
What non-musical hobbies or interests do you have that influence or inspire your musicality?
I think anything that gives the mind and body exercise and rest ultimately contributes to good music-making. I enjoy gardening on my balcony and hiking, and also play other instruments to challenge my brain.
What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of being part of an orchestra?
In orchestra, you’re one cog in a wonderful, collaborative music-making wheel! What the different instruments are contributing musically affects how you make your musical contribution.
What is your favourite GSO memory?
Not one single memory, but I love outreach concerts. They’re all unique!
Do you play another instrument or is there one you wished you could play?
Yes: besides viola and baroque viola, I play violin, both regular and baroque, and also the treble and tenor violas da gamba. I’d play more, but that’s enough for now!
If your favorite animal or pet could conduct the orchestra, how might their unique personality influence the music?
My cat would be that diva who lost her way in the aria but managed to drown out the orchestra anyway!
What is the best thing about being a member of Guelph Symphony?
Wonderful music-making in my own community!
If you couldn’t be a musician, what would you want to do?
I’d probably follow in the family tradition and be a schoolteacher. I do love teaching...
Sheila's website https://s3music.ca