Janine Smith

Second Violin

Janine began studying the violin at the age of four under renowned Suzuki method teacher and co-founder of the Suzuki String School of Guelph, Daphne Hughes. By the age of 12 she was developing her ensemble work as section leader of the Concorde string ensemble and as a member of a professional string quartet. While ultimately choosing a career in Science, music had been profoundly ingrained. After a few years of sabbatical, Janine picked up her instrument and joined the Guelph Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Simon Irving in 2005. A dedicated member of the second violin section, Janine hopes to continue spreading – and receiving – the joy of music with the GSO.

Who is your favourite composer, and what piece of theirs do you love playing the most?
Max Bruch, Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring musicians?
When you play a passage, visualize something that the music might depict, like a flowing river with waterfalls, or big fluffy snowflakes falling in the forest. It will help with phrasing and dynamics.

How do you approach interpreting a new piece of music for the first time?
See above.

If you could have a dinner party with any musician, living or deceased, who would they be and why?
Mahler. I'd ask what how he was inspired to write Resurrection Symphony No. 2.

What is the best thing about being a member of Guelph Symphony?
Having everything come together at performance time.

If you couldn’t be a musician, what would you want to do?
I always wanted to be a doctor, and work for Doctors Without Borders, or be the only physician in a remote Northern community.