Tony Snyder
Principal Horn
Tony Snyder Studied music and education at the University of Western Ontario. After a successful career teaching Music, Science, Mathematics and Art, he has turned his attention to performing and can be heard in ensembles across Southern Ontario. After a successful audition for the Berlin Philharmonic, he won the principal horn spot for a performance of Brahms first symphony with the BE Phil under the direction of Sir Simon Rattle. Since then, he has sat as principal horn with orchestras in Seoul, New York, Raiding Austria and Budapest and has travelled with Canadian ensembles as a soloist on tours of Europe and China. When he is not performing on the horn Tony works in his shop at home making guitars and mutes for brass instruments. He continues teaching as an instrumental instructor at University of Guelph.
What inspired you to pick up your instrument for the first time, and how has your journey evolved since then?
On a trip to visit my Aunt and Uncle in Boston they took me to a performance of chamber music that featured Brahms' Horn Trio. I was hooked but unfortunately at school I was put in a string class. I chose to play Viola. My teacher made me switch to violin in Grade 8 so I could be Concertmaster. When I got to High School I chose a wind class and took up the Horn.
How do you prepare mentally and physically before a big concert?
A long slow warm with 2 goals. I aim to get the best sound with the least effort and to use up all my bad notes and get them out of the way.
Who is your favorite composer, and what piece of theirs do you love playing the most?
As I write this we are preparing Brahms 3rd Symphony, a truly glorious work, so today this is my favourite composer and piece. Next concert; Hector Berlioz, Harold in Italy...
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring musicians?
Relax and enjoy the music. It is impossible to make music sound effortless by working harder.
Can you share a funny or unexpected backstage story from a past performance?
I discovered that there is a balcony off of the backstage of the River Run. I stepped out with another horn player from our section and we played the call from the 1st movement of Beethoven's 7th symphony. We thought we were alone, but got unexpected cheers and applause from across the river.
What non-musical hobbies or interests do you have that influence or inspire your musicality?
I have a woodworking shop in my home that has been mostly occupied with making musical instruments.
What is your favourite GSO memory?
2 memories actually: Kevin Ramessar's performance of the Concierto de Aranjuez with the GSO on the Guitar I made for him, and Afendi Yusuf, a former student at my school, performing Mozart's Clarinet Concerto as GSO's concerto competition winner. He went on to win the principal chair in the Cleveland Orchestra.
Do you play another instrument or is there one you wished you could play?
I play guitar for enjoyment and relaxation. Wish I could play Tenor Sax.
What is the best thing about being a member of Guelph Symphony?
Everyone in the ensemble and the supporting team seems happy and proud to be a part of our Orchestra.