Musician Profile - Viviana Cumplido, Principal Flute

TPS - What is your favorite orchestral piece to play, and why?

VC - My favorite orchestral piece to play is actually a ballet, but the symphonic suite is often played, and that is Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet. It is truly one of the most beautiful and satisfying flute parts in the orchestral repertory while also being a great work for the entire orchestra.

TPS - How did you make the transition from piano to flute?

VC - I went to an arts magnet Jr. High Sch ool as a piano major and the curriculum required an additional music elective so I chose beginning band because I wanted to play the flute. As much as I loved playing the piano (and continued my studies through college), I really enjoyed the group dynamic and the collaborative effort that came with playing in an ensemble. The more I got into playing the flute, I discovered not just that I liked the instrument, but I also like its role in the orchestral setting. As a young pianist it never occurred to me to try to make that my career, however as a flutist it all of a sudden seemed like an option.

TPS - What piece(s) have you yet to perform that is on your wish list?

VC - At the top of my wish list would have to be Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde. I really love playing Mahler's symphonies which I think might be kind of unusual for a flutist since his music tends to highlight the brass section but I find it fun and inspiring all the same. The Das Lied is a wonderful piece of music and I look forward to it one of these days. Oh, and did I mention that it has a great flute part?

TPS - What are the most drastic differences between Miami and Phoenix?

VC - Although they are both warm weather cities, they couldn't feel more different in climate and landscape. Growing up in Miami mountains were not part of my vocabulary, and even now they're still sort of a novelty to me. Both cities have prominent Hispanic communities and influences but are very different in the food, art, and music. I feel lucky that I've had the opportunity to live in different places and be able to enjoy and appreciate their individuality.

TPS - If you were to create a 10-song playlist of your favorite pieces (classical or non-classical), what would they be?

VC - It's hard to pick a playlist, which is I why I love the shuffle feature on my iPod! These are a few that I particularly enjoy when they appear in the rotation. In no particular order:

1) Oh What a World, Rufus Wainwright

2) World Town, M.I.A.

3) Yes, Yes, Y'All, Sergio Mendes

4) Overjoyed, Stevie Wonder
5) Casta Diva from Norma, Bellini
6) 4 My People, Missy Elliott
7) Blister in the Sun, Violent Femmes
8) Viva la Vida, Coldplay
9) Un bel di from Madame Butterfly, Puccini
10) Single Ladies, Beyonce