Sarah Roth

Violin

What convinced you that you wanted a career in music?

My own heart. My parents are both musicians, so I grew up immersed in music and on track to be a musician. I was headed to college to major in psychology when late in my senior year I had a flash forward to a picture that didn't seem right. I then realized that music had to be my future.

What are you listening to right now?

Bach Cantatas, the Prokofiev 3rd Piano Concerto or other works I miss because I haven't performed them in a long time. Pat Metheny, Seal and Morphine (a local Boston favorite). And anything from the '80s when I'm feeling nostalgic.

How did you choose your instrument?

I don't really know. There were violins in the house. I actually started on piano, taking up violin later, and continued with both instruments until I turned 15.

What is on your nightstand?

My nightstand is pretty small, and I'm always reading three or four things at once. For a while there was a growing stack of books and magazines that I finally relocated to a faux-leather bin from Storables. Currently I'm reading the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the ancient text of yoga philosophy. As an avid yogini I am trying to learn about yoga beyond its physical practice.

What guest artist would you most like to perform with?

Yo-Yo Ma. Once on tour with the Mark Morris Dance Group I performed with Yo-Yo in the pit, and it was a lot of fun. During one intermission we were clowning around and discussing various chamber music passages. I attempted to play a well-known cello part with my violin sitting on my lap. He one-upped me by placing his cello under his chin.

Besides your instrument, what is your most treasured possession?

My felines White Cat and Jack – although they really aren't possessions. We just rent the same apartment.