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Spotlight Interview with Damara Lomdaridze, violist of the CCOHK. Where are you from and how long have you been in Hong Kong? I grew up in Iowa and Oklahoma in the mid-western United States. I lived in New Orleans for some time and played with the symphony orchestra there. I moved to Hong Kong five years ago. What brought you to Hong Kong? My husband was engaged by the Hong Kong Philharmonic as a double-bass player, so here we are. What do you enjoy most about playing in the CCOHK? I love playing with the friendly CCOHK musicians. Moreover I enjoy the wide variety of repertoire selected by the CCOHK. Which CCOHK guest artist has made the biggest impression on you? The British baritone Sir Thomas Allen was such a fantastic singer and actor that our concert featuring him was really a great pleasure for the musicians and audience alike. Everyone left the concert with a joyful heart. Which CCOHK concert has been the most memorable for you? This is a hard question to answer, since we have had so many fabulous concerts. If I had to name one, then I would pick the "Tango!” concert staged in January 2007 in which we performed an all-Piazzolla programme. The music was a lot of fun and quite different from the type I usually get to play. How did you come about choosing the viola? I first heard the sound of the viola when I was in elementary school. On one occasion the playing of instrument was demonstrated for us. As soon as I heard the viola’s warm, sonorous sound I knew the instrument was for me. I went home and declared to my mother, "I'm going to play the viola!" Name one of the most important milestones in your music career. I cannot think of any particular milestone in my musical journey. Since taking up the viola I have had more opportunities to play with other people, compared to the days when I played the piano. When I was in high school I formed a string quartet - Norman Youth Quartet - with my best friends. The wonderful experience made my teenage years memorable. In fact the members of the quartet remain my best friends to this day. Through the CCOHK I have also had the opportunity to meet friends who can play chamber music with me. There is nothing better than making music with friends. What message do you have for our friends? My grandfather started learning the saxophone at the age of seventy-five. He has been playing it for ten years now. For the last two years my mother, a full-time professor of accounting, has also renewed her interest in playing the clarinet and saxophone which she took up in high school. Hence it is never too late to learn a new instrument or reconnect with an old one. The activity really enriches your life. Last but not least, keep coming to our concerts. It is more fun when you are there!
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