Stephanie Stattel

Stephanie StattelStephanie plays first violin and joined QUO in January 2013.

How did you come to join QUO?
I had been playing in the Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra when [past QUO artistic director] Nolan Dresden came to guest conduct a concert. He had an amazing energy and enthusiasm, and when I heard that there was a whole group of musicians who shared it, I joined!

What is your favorite place to take friends visiting NYC?
I like to take friends on walking tours of my favorite spots in the East/West Village. A good afternoon for me would be having tea at Cha-An, walking to The Uncommons for board games and snacks, and ending the night with good cocktails at Employees Only : )

What musical symbol best defines you and why?
I think I relate the most to the breath mark. It’s easy to get caught up in the sturm und drang of playing, when sometimes the most powerful musical moments are the pauses in between.

How long have you been playing violin?
I’ve been playing my instrument for about 20 years. My best friend from elementary school brought her violin over one afternoon, and it was love at first sight : )

Question from Scott: What orchestral work would you most like to see QUO perform and why?
I would love to play Vaughan Williams’ Lark Ascending with a soloist. It’s one of my favorite pieces and an amazingly transcendent violin solo.