Christine Durrett, Viola
Has played with the Salina Symphony since: 2021
Hometown: Madison, WI
Current City: Manhattan, KS
Education:
BA, Psychology, Harvard University; PhD, Clinical Psychology, University of Missouri-Columbia
Job Title:
Clinical Neuropsychologist, Flint Hills Neuropsychology
Earliest musical memory:
When I was young, my parents most often listened to 60s/70s rock music, but I was never very interested in that. Among their collection of tapes and vinyl, they had 8-track tapes of Hooked on Classics and Handel’s Messiah that I listened to over and over.
Best part of being a Salina Symphony musician:
As a violist I love sitting in the middle of the orchestra with an ocean of sound flowing over me. Best seat in the house.
Most memorable performance with the Salina Symphony:
The first concert I played was the most memorable so far, which included Dvorak 9. I had been on the fence about whether I had enough time to give to the Symphony, but when I saw that the New World Symphony was programmed, I had to go for it!
Favorite composers:
Dvorak, because he was a violist, so he always wrote such lovely bits for the violas.
What song best describes you when you first wake up in the morning? Lovely Day – Bill Withers
What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
I enjoy a broad range from jazz to bluegrass to musicals, but mostly I listen to orchestral, chamber, and choral music.
How do you spend your free time?
I recently learned how to sail, and I get out on the water on my sailboat whenever I get the chance.
Whom do you admire?
My grandfather, Don Zimmerman. I have never known anyone quite like him for the strength of his faith and his way of very quietly doing good and helping others.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Definitely my four kids who are in 4th, 7th, 8th, and 10th grade this year.