01/23/2019
https://www.facebook.com/100002495818228/posts/2071428109617029/
Today as we start up the Winter Season at NYCB we continue our Meet the Musician Series with Cellist, Joe Lee!
///
Who is the composer who inspires you the most?
I would say the composer that inspires me the most is J.S. Bach because of the depth of his music both as a listener and as a performer. After completion of his church works and also some of his secular works, he would sign S.D.G. or Soli Deo Gloria. This worshipful attitude is what I attempt to embody (with varying degrees of success) every time I step into the pit, the stage, or even in the practice room. It helps push me to strive for excellence in honing my craft knowing that every time I play, it is in worship to God who I believe gave me the ability to do what I do in the first place, and is much bigger than myself or the performance.
What hobbies do you have outside of NYCB?
I really enjoy playing sports such as tennis, basketball, volleyball, or just throwing the ol’ baseball around. I feel that there are a lot of similarities between athletics and the arts especially when it comes to honing your craft. Even though I am not a professional athlete (obviously) I get the same joy out of the process of solving problems and constantly improving, whether it be in the practice room or on the basketball court. I think this is why I am especially drawn to dance because it is a beautiful combination of these worlds.
What other groups you play with outside of NYCB?
Outside of NYCB, I sometimes play with the NY Philharmonic.
What is on your playlist right now?
Keith Jarrett and Charlie Haden, Last Dance, Count Basie, Straight Ahead, David Crowder Band, Illuminate
Most memorable moment in the NYCB?
My most memorable moment would have to be my first day at work. I still remember that walk across Lincoln Center in May of 2012. I was heading to my first rehearsal with a professional orchestra after having auditioned for 6 years. I reflected on the fact that I went to school just across the street and now... I work... here? I still get goosebumps every time I walk across Lincoln Center on the first day of any given season and it always reminds me of how grateful I am to be able to play here.
What other instrument would you play if not your own?
Clarinet
///