Viola Search Spotlight: Jennifer
JENNIFER Leshnower
What was your favorite part of the viola search this year? The opportunity to focus – laser focus – on the role of the viola inside the quartet, and what I might want in a person who is in that role for us.
How has this search been different than other Cassatt Quartet searches you've had? Well, every time you change even just one member, the soul and the sound of the group is in a different place. So I was imagining what might work best with the current members’ sounds, and how that person ideally would complement what we already have created.
What was the hardest part of the search? I think being patient, very patient; and realizing how it is, in a way, a bit of a needle in a haystack. The process needs to unfold with a lot of patience and care, and I felt that we allowed ourselves that needed time and did not pressure ourselves to make decisions within any kind of particular timeframe or be constricted by obligations, commitments, concerts, teaching. We put the whole search into our schedule so that it was comfortable and calm. It was quite methodical. It was well planned and paced so that each person, each candidate got a complete hearing, not only as a musician, but as a person.
What do you think is the role of the viola in the string quartet? Well, it's many roles. As are all the members of the group, there is no one role. Which, by the way, is one of my favorite parts of being in a string quartet because of the multi-challenges, the multi-demands, and the ever-changing landscape.
What are you most excited about for next season with our new person? Rebuilding and creating something that's new. It's casual. Rebuilding and creating something that's new. That is new together with a person who is thoughtful and equally excited, experienced, and shares the same values and artistry that we aspire to — who will be a tremendous value and asset.
What did you eat for breakfast? Coffee and a protein shake.
What is your go-to pick-me-up at the coffee shop in the afternoon? Tea and scones [editor’s note: she uses the British pronunciation of “scones!”]
