Linda Umbrico

Viola

Linda has played in the viola section of the Guelph Symphony Orchestra for over 15 years. She previously held orchestral positions with Orchestra London Canada and the Thunder Bay Symphony. An avid chamber musician, she is a member of Kawartha Trio (harp, clarinet and viola), and performs regularly in other small groups and chamber ensembles. A dedicated teacher, Linda taught music in the public school system for many years, and although recently retired, continues to teach music through the Sistema program in Toronto.

What inspired you to pick up your instrument for the first time, and how has your journey evolved since then?
I picked the viola for its rich warm sound. In the orchestra we often get beautiful expressive melodies in a range perfect for singing.

How do you prepare mentally and physically before a big concert?
Ideally, I like to be well rested before performing.

Who is your favourite composer, and what piece of theirs do you love playing the most?
I love playing Mozart and Brahms and Beethoven. My favourite piece is often the one I happen to be playing at the time.

How do you balance the demands of practice and performance with your personal life?
I feel that practising hard and performing is a great job. This work invigorates me, and keeps me happy. This helps me approach other areas of my life with optimism and positivity.

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring musicians?
I’ll tell you want my teacher always said: “practise!”

Can you share a funny or unexpected backstage story from a past performance?
What happens back stage, stays back stage.

What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of being part of an orchestra?
I love the feeling that we are all experiencing something bigger than the sum of our parts.

If you couldn’t be a musician, what would you want to do?
I would be a dancer. I love music and I love to move.