|
|
 |
|
|
Meet Rising Star Philip Kramp |
|
|
Home > What's New > Caramoor Blog > Meet Rising Star Philip Kramp
|
|
|
|
October 25, 2010
“Here is the fifth installment of our eight part series, Meet the Rising Stars. Philip talks about his experiences as a substitute violist in some of world’s most prominent orchestras and explains why classical music will always be relevant. I hope you enjoy meeting violist, Philip Kramp!” – Alison Shearer
 | | Philip Kramp, viola |
Age: 24
Place of Birth: Springfield, IL
You are a substitute violist for both the Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. Can you describe what these experiences are like? How have these opportunities helped your career and enhanced your playing?
Having the opportunity to be a substitute violist with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic has been an incredible experience for me because I've dreamed of playing in a great orchestra since I was a kid. I love the sound and I love the repertoire. I always look forward to subbing with the orchestra because I have many friends in these orchestras and many people I love playing with. The viola sections consist of some of the greatest viola players in the world- the principal violist in Philly is CJ Chang and the principal in New York is Cynthia Phelps. They are both phenomenal violists and I learn so much by watching them play. I also get to work with some of the greatest conductors, like Raphael Fruhbeck de Burgos, Simon Rattle, Kurt Masur, Charles Dutoit, etc. It's very inspiring for me.
Why is classical music still relevant today?
Classical music will always be relevant. All art will always be relevant. As classical musicians we work with the most incredible man-made creations, such as the Beethoven Quartets or Bach St. Matthew's Passion, etc. These pieces represent the incredible genius of the greatest composers, and what makes our job fun is that we get to perform them and bring this amazing music to your ears! The reason why this music is still relevant is the same reason why a Picasso or a Van Gogh is still relevant. These are masterpieces because the composers were complete masters of their craft, and because they are able to convey characters and emotions in a way that nobody else can. Every time I hear the Cavatina from Beethoven op. 130 I get some tears in my eyes. Every time I hear the last movement of the Dvorak viola quintet I feel like getting up and dancing. For me, all of the great pieces touch me emotionally in a way that nothing else in the world can.
Is there a single piece of music that made you fall in love with your instrument?
There is not a particular piece that made me fall in love with my instrument, but I actually fell in love with the viola after hearing recordings of the great viola virtuoso William Primrose.
How do you spend your free time?
I spend my free time reading, exercising, and practicing. I enjoy going out and looking for good restaurants. I also love having chamber music parties with my friends; we will sight-read chamber music until 3 in the morning!
What inspires you?
I get inspired easily, because on a daily basis I get to work with amazing musicians in great environments. Obviously, my musical experiences are inspiring. I became a musician because it was inspiring. However, I get inspired in many different ways. The other day I was walking down the street and I saw a parent teaching his kid how to ride a bike, and it reminded me of when I was a kid and my dad taught me how to ride a bike. I just thought it was beautiful and inspiring. Things like that inspire me.
Leave the first comment
|
|
