Musician Profile - Steven Moeckel, Concertmaster

TPS - What is your favorite orchestral piece to play, and why?
SM - Mahler Sixth Symphony. I love playing this piece. To me it is a perfect combination of depth, virtuosity and truly wonderful composition skill.

TPS - Tell us a little bit about your experience as principal soprano soloist for the renowned Vienna Boys Choir.

SM - As an 11 year old boy, everything about being in Vienna was amazing. Living in the Augarten palace, learning to sing in five new languages and just being surrounded by history and music all the time. I think my favorite part of those years were the performances with the Vienna State's Opera. Getting to perform with great singers and just the fun of being a part of these huge stage productions had a huge impact on me.

TPS - Who has been the most influential teacher in your studies as a musician?
SM - Though I have to say that all my teachers throughout my life have been inspiring in different ways, Miriam Fried really made me the violinist I am today.

TPS - What pieces have you yet to perform that are on your wish list?
SM - Elgar: Dream of Gerontius; Rozsa, Korngold, Shostakovich violin concertos, Brahms G minor Piano Quartet to name a few...