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Kenneth Mirkin

Viola

Biography

New York native Kenneth Mirkin joined the viola section of the New York Philharmonic in 1982. He was a member of the San Francisco Symphony for the 1981–82 season upon his graduation from The Juilliard School, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, studying with Lillian Fuchs and William Lincer. Mirkin spent many summers at the Aspen Music Festival where he was principal violist of the Aspen Festival Orchestra and Aspen Chamber Symphony, and appeared as soloist as the winner of the Aspen Concerto Competition. Mirkin has been active behind the scenes for much of his time at the Philharmonic, serving on the Orchestra’s Negotiating, Tour, and Pension committees. He enjoys teaching young musicians and has had a long association working with the New York Youth Symphony, where he was a member himself as a young musician. These days, Mirkin spends much of his time outside the Orchestra tending to the adventure of raising 13-year-old twin girls.

"I did a lot of silent practicing while watching television; I actually learned the technique of vibrato while watching ‘I Love Lucy.’"

Interview with Kenneth Mirkin

THE FACTS: Born in Brooklyn. Bachelor’s and master of music degrees from The Juilliard School. Prior to the Philharmonic: San Francisco Symphony for one season. At the Philharmonic: Joined in 1982. Has served on most Contract Negotiating Committees since 1985, in addition to the Orchestra, Tour, Pension, and Healthcare committees. Teaches privately.

EARLIEST MUSICAL MEMORY: Going to Prospect Park during the very first season of the Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks in 1964. Benny Goodman played Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto and Seiji Ozawa conducted. It was the first concert I had ever heard.

WHAT'S THE FIRST PIECE OF MUSIC YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH? Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. I listened to Jascha Heifetz’s recording of it over and over.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN? I began studying the violin at age 12, and viola at 14. By 15 I had switched to viola — I was drawn to its warmer sound — and knew that I wanted to become a professional violist. My parents were horrified. They tried to discourage me from practicing so much — they were afraid I was going to starve. I did a lot of silent practicing while watching television; I actually learned the technique of vibrato while watching I Love Lucy.

WHAT WOULD YOU BE IF NOT A MUSICIAN? A doctor or something in medicine

WHICH COMPOSER INSPIRES YOU THE MOST? Bach

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? After my 13-year-old twin girls go to sleep, I like to listen to the Bach Goldberg Variations to decompress before I go to bed.

MOST IMPORTANT MUSICAL INFLUENCES: My Juilliard teachers: former Philharmonic Principal Viola William Lincer and Lillian Fuchs

WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT OF THE VIOLA? Because of its size, holding it up for long periods of time — the injury rate is as high as it is for professional athletes. I used to have trouble with my back, but yoga, Alexander Technique, and lots of stretching has helped with that.

WHAT KIND OF VIOLA DO YOU HAVE? I play a wonderful modern viola made in New York by Guy Rabut. It sounds as good as almost any fine, older instrument, and costs a lot less than a New York City co-op!

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS WITH THE PHILHARMONIC: Playing Mahler symphonies with Bernstein

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK? Spend time with my kids, and staying fit and healthy.

As of September 2019

Upcoming 2023-2024 Performances

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