Margaret Zak

Assistant Concertmaster

Margaret Zak is a violinist with the Guelph Symphony Orchestra for the last 25 years, since the beginning of the orchestra. She lives in Guelph, Ontario with her family for the last 31 years. She has been a musician and music teacher with the Guelph School of Music since inception. Margaret graduated with a Masters in music education in violin performance, in Poland. She has been playing and teaching for over 46 years, first in Wroclaw, Poland, and then in Guelph, Ontario. Margaret enjoys teaching, playing, traveling the world, and spending precious time with her grandkids.

What inspired you to pick up your instrument for the first time?
My parents, who enrolled me at the music school, and after the entrance exam, the examiners decided to place me in the violin program. Additionally, my first teacher inspired me, by showing me the beauty of the instrument, and then I forever fell in love with the violin.
Can you share a memorable performance moment that still resonates with you today?
I played for the first visit of the Pope John Paul II, in Wroclaw, Poland, with the university symphony orchestra.
How do you prepare mentally and physically before a big concert?
Every big concert requires lots of practice and lots of fresh enthusiasm, without a mechanical or routine approach.
What is the most challenging piece of music you've ever performed?
Tchaikovsky's violin concerto in D major. The piece includes everything that a violin can do.
If you could perform in any concert hall around the world, which one would it be and why?
Konzerthaus in Vienna, Austria, in their Great Hall. It is a beautiful setting, and with a long tradition.
Who is your favorite composer, and what piece of theirs do you love playing the most?
Obviously I love Bach, his sonatas and partitas for violin solo, but there are many other composers, too.
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring musicians?
Practice, practice, practice, and be patient because talent is only 10%, and the rest belongs to hard work.
Can you share a funny or unexpected backstage story from a past performance?
I remember a long time ago, one soloist so dramatically finished his piece that his bow flew away into the musicians and everyone tried to catch it, as it is very precious piece of the instrument to musicians.
What role does collaboration play in your musical life, and how has it enriched your experiences?
This is always a very precious experience, which enriches yourself, and those for whom and with whom music is played, whether in a due, trio, quartet, or in an orchestra.
How do you approach interpreting a new piece of music for the first time?
At first, I do not try to listen to any other interpretation and attempt to play the piece myself to the best of my knowledge.
What non-musical hobbies or interests do you have that influence or inspire your musicality?
Hiking and nature, and the harmony between the activity and the setting. This calms you and boosts your batteries.
If you could have a dinner party with any musician, living or deceased, who would they be and why?
David Oistrakh, who was a very talented violinist representing the old musical tradition of playing the instrument.
What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of being part of an orchestra?
Bringing famous musical pieces to life, impossible without an orchestra, and also bringing many fantastic young soloists.
What is your favourite GSO memory?
I really loved the concerts in the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph.
Do you play another instrument or is there one you wished you could play?
I play Piano as well.
Do you have a current SideQuest?
Growing vegetables and flowers in my garden and cooking new dishes.
Favourite travel destination or place to visit?
Always Poland to visit my grandkids.
What is the best thing about being a member of Guelph Symphony?
Playing all genre of the music with fantastic colleagues in the Guelph community.
If you couldn’t be a musician, what would you want to do?
I would be a doctor, because I had been admitted to the medical program at university.