Viola Search Spotlight: Muneko
Muneko Otani
What was your favorite part of the viola search this year? I really enjoyed rehearsing with the violists we played with – after we have played these pieces and decided on certain ideas, they each bring new ones! So it gets more enjoyable. It's like many different kinds of dessert – you know, there's choices!
How was this search different than other searches that you've had in the past in the quartet? In past searches, I often felt very vulnerable – it’s weird. But this time, I felt so much more secure – a solid sense of the three of us, our rehearsal style, business-wise, all of it. It was like a one outlet, which is remarkable – that feeling of security.
What was the hardest part of the search? Keeping the hopeful energy up – the early part of the season had some lingering hurt. But beginning the real search actually gave me a lot of hope, you know what I mean?
What do you think is the role of the viola in the string quartet? You know, the cello is the foundation, right? But the viola role is a lot of foundation, too. The viola part goes back and forth: three sisters with the violins, then to the actual bass. So I was looking for that kind of almost-cello sound from someone.
What are you the most excited for with our new violist next season? Our new person has values so similar to mine, to ours; there’s a deep sensitivity, without reactivity – a larger, bigger perspective on every situation. That maturity and seriousness! I am looking forward to doing late Mozart together, too – to sharing and appreciating together how beautiful this music is.
What did you have for breakfast? Breakfast? What did I? A mini croissant from Paris Baguette.
And what's your go-to pick-me-up drink from a coffee shop in the afternoon? Oh, yeah. An iced latte – it has to be from my local UWS coffee shop, Charlotte.
