Player Portrait

Dolores D'Aigle

Violin

First season with the Oregon Symphony:

1977-1978

Most influential teacher(s):

Stephen Clapp, who is now at Juilliard, but I studied with him in Austin, Texas, and at Aspen during the years I played in the San Antonio Symphony. He exemplified the highest musical and ethical standards and taught me to how to work with the violin instead of fighting it. I also owe a lot to Edgar Muenzer of the Chicago Symphony who was my teacher at Northwestern, and specific problems were greatly helped by work with Denes Zsigmondy, Max Rostal and Burton Kaplan.

Earliest musical memory:

My mother singing hymns around the house; my grandfather playing old-time fiddle in 4/4 time while accompanied by my grandmother playing an old pump organ — but in 3/4 time. I also have a reed organ, but it runs on electricity instead of foot power. The first "concert" I ever remember was Dr. John Richard's Symphonic Band in the Portland Parks.

"I first knew I would make music my career when ... "

I moved from a Wisconsin junior high school with a very active music program to a Chicago high school that had no orchestra. Being without music that first year made me think I'd never want to be without it again. The second year I joined the choir and did some piano accompanying, but figured that if I concentrated on the violin, I just might be able to make a living playing in an orchestra.

"Other than performing music, I've always thought it might be fun to be a ... "

A forest ranger, but actually, if I had chosen another career, I think I would have tried law.

Favorite composer and/or period?

Early 20th century — Prokofiev, Mahler, Ravel, Kodaly — music with lots of "color," but lean rather than lush.

What does this photo say about your life?

Although I've taken the violin camping when I had to practice, I've never taken it backpacking, since I'm really a wimp and can't carry more than the absolute necessities. One thing about Portland that's important to me, though, is being able to leave behind the commotion of city life and get away fairly quickly and easily to the peace of the mountains. My dog, Tisza, goes with me, but she has to carry her own food and "gear," including her own "pup" tent in case it rains.

What do you enjoy most about performing?

Once you start, you can't stop, and like a conversation, you never know what will emerge in the flow that can be responded to and built upon musically. I also like the sense of occasion and formality, which is found in few events other than concerts.

Other than playing great music, what do you see as the Symphony's most important role?

The arts give a higher tone to city life. A symphony provides a resource to its community — and especially to its young people — of highly accomplished and knowledgeable musicians, who are also committed and active performers.

What is your favorite part of being a member of the Oregon Symphony?

The high level of support and affection which people in Portland have for their symphony.

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