Shachar Israel
Originally from: Nahariya, Israel
Currently reside: Philadelphia, PA
School: (undergrad) The Curtis Institute of Music, (grad) The Juilliard School
What age did you begin playing a musical instrument?
11 years old
Why did you choose the instrument you play?
Frankly, I wanted an instrument called Euphonium, but unfortunately the youth band I was playing with did not have any others in stock. For that reason, I’d like to think that the Trombone chose me.
Who is your favorite composer, and favorite work? Why?
Mahler, Symphony No. 2. I think that Mahler more than any other composer covers the biggest array of human emotion in his music. Mahler would carry you from great distress to exuberance within a short section of his music. Playing or listening to any Mahler piece for me is a journey. His second symphony in particular demonstrates this quality. It’s soothing at times, it’s exciting at times, and it’s always pure magic.
How many years have you been performing with The Haddonfield Symphony?
The 2007-2008 Season will be my fourth year performing with the orchestra.
What’s your favorite part about playing in The Haddonfield Symphony?
It’s a chance to play great repertoire with great musicians.
Where do you aspire to be in ten years? And what do you plan to do?
A Principal position in a major symphony orchestra.
What are you currently listening to on your I-pod?
Anything except for classical! I listen to a lot of Jazz, Rock, Pop and Israeli music.
What other interests outside of music do you share, if any?
I enjoy working out, coffee, cooking and movies.
