Artist Spotlight GRAMMY®-nominated violist MELISSA REARDON (Norfolk ’97) is a versatile performer whose playing has been described as “elegant” and “virtuosic” (Classical Voice). Solo engagements have included performances at the Stevens Center, Kennedy Center, Symphony Hall, and Jordan Hall, and as soloist with Camerata Notturna, the Boston Symphony, and the East Carolina Symphony. She has presented recitals in North Carolina, New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, and maintains an international performing schedule as a member of the Enso String Quartet. Reardon is also a founding member of the East Coast Chamber Orchestra (ECCO) and has performed with the Miami, Miró, Daedalus, and Borromeo Quartets, and with members of the Guarneri, Mendelssohn, Brentano, St. Lawrence and Shanghai Quartets as well as the Beaux Arts Trio. In addition to numerous festival appearances, Reardon has toured with Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble and Musicians from Marlboro. Assistant Professor of Viola at East Carolina University from 2006-2013, Reardon began as the Portland Chamber Music Festival’s Artistic Director following the conclusion of the Festival’s 25th anniversary season in August 2018. She is married to the cellist Raman Ramakrishnan.
When you are away touring, do you bring anything special with you to remind you of home? When I was younger I used to have a small toy good luck pig that I kept in my case — but it’s been years since I’ve brought anything special with to remind me of home. When you fly what do you like to read? How do you pass the time? I like to read fiction or cheesy magazines when I fly. I just finished reading Atonement by Ian McEwan. And of course, if there are good movies playing I’ll happily watch them on the plane. I loved seeing Phantom Thread on a trip not too long ago — I really enjoyed the soundtrack to that film. What is a favorite non-musical pastime? What do you do to recharge? I love traveling and trying new foods. When I was in a quartet we made a point to search for all the most interesting restaurants we could find while we were on the road. I also love to cook; I find it relaxing. What is your favorite concert hall (aside from the Music Shed of course) to perform in and why? And it doesn’t have to be for a musical reason.
What does it feel like right before you walk onto the stage? What runs through your mind? The feeling I have right before I walk onstage is generally one of excitement — but the degree to which I feel nervous really depends on the situation. Sometimes the thing that’s in my head right before I walk onstage is really mundane, like ‘try not to move too much’, or ‘don’t step on your dress!’ Do you have any pre-concert traditions? I like to warm up before concerts, and I always have to have gum in my mouth when I play. When I was a student a teacher once told me to chew gum to relax my jaw and it became a habit. Now I always perform with it, although I really try to make sure no one knows it’s there! I am also very particular about the kind and flavor of the gum. Is there a work that brings to mind a particularly happy memory? For instance, is there a piece that made you want to play your chosen instrument, or one that always reminds you of home or a favorite place? Would you share the work and the memory? I fell in love with my husband playing the Faure g minor Piano Quartet together, so that piece always has a strong connection for me.
I spent a lot of time playing in Jordan Hall at New England Conservatory in Boston as a youngster and it was always thrilling to be on that stage. When I’ve been back to play there a few times I have that same sense of excitement and thrill. It’s a beautiful hall with a legendary sound. (spotlight continued on page 15) ARTIST SPOTLIGHT | 15
