Seth plays strings and percussion, serves on our board, has been a featured composer and interim artistic director, and joined in January 2010.

How did you come to join QUO?
Good question. I think I found the website first and was really interested in the idea. I had already spoken to an acquaintance before about starting a specifically gay and lesbian orchestra, but nothing panned out. It seemed something really needed to bring visibility of the contributions of gay and lesbian artists and their colleagues and supporters.

What is your favorite place to take friends visiting NYC?
I feel a spiritual bond to the West Village. It’s where so many of the creative and interesting people whom I have admired found themselves at some point. I certainly can’t live there now, but I still feel refreshed going there and love to share it with friends.

What musical symbol best defines you and why?
The tremolo. Even when it’s quiet, there’s a lot of nervous energy.

How long have you been playing your instrument?
It depends on which one! I started on the cello when I was 11 in school orchestra. But I get bored easily. Before I graduated high school I had picked up viola and violin too (I now play viola with The Chelsea Symphony). During college I studied piano (had to as a composition major), and now I do a lot with percussion. I love timpani!

Question from Nick: What style or form of music do you like to compose and why?
I do so many things I really like, but I admit I have a special weakness for song writing. I kind of want to be the next Carole King or Tom Waits. Even my music for Classical musicians is heavily inspired by some form of popular music.