Des Moines Symphony

Concertmaster

Jonathan Sturm has built his current reputation as a performer and teacher through concert appearances and master classes in over 25 states, and abroad in Albania, Cuba, and South Africa.  As concertmaster of the Des Moines Symphony for 18 years, and as an eight-year member of the internationally acclaimed Ames Piano Quartet, his concert schedule typically includes over 40 annual appearances. Jonathan Sturm has played the violin for thirty-seven years and the viola for fourteen years and frequently plays both on recital programs. 

How/when did you get started in music?I began violin lessons at age seven when the minister of my church, who also was a violin teacher, suggested I begin.  I continued lessons as  teenager and joined my first professional orchestra when I was fifteen, playing in the second violins.  I was given a chance to solo with that orchestra when I was nineteen, and have been in orchestras more-or-less ever since.  I have now been concertmaster of the DMSO longer than anything else I have ever done in  my life, including places where I have lived--17 years this season.   

Aside from symphonic/classical music what type of music do you enjoy? My wife and I listen to light jazz by performers ranging from Andre Previn to Diana Krall, especially while driving across country.

What is your favorite memory of being in the DSMO? I always enjoy having a chance to perform solos, whether the Mozart concertos or the concertmaster solos I have been fortunate to play, such as Scheherazade.  But playing Mahler's Second Symphony about 12 years ago was also a high.   A crazy performance of Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre in which I danced out on stage dressed up as a devil comes to mind as well.  One truly enjoyable thing for me that the audience never sees is when I have an opportunity in rehearsals to conduct the orchestra while Joe goes into the hall to listen for balance, but I may be the only one enjoying it--you might want to ask the orchestra how much they enjoy my arm waving! 

What other hobbies or interests do you have? So much of my life has revolved entirely around music, from performing it to teaching it since I also perform as the violist in the Ames Piano Quartet and teach music history and private lessons.  That said, recently I began trying to play golf.  I haven't hurt anyone yet . . . and it is a fun way to spend time.  I may try flying lessons someday also. 

What is one of your favorite pieces to play? I love to play the music of Bach, Mozart and Fritz Kreisler.  If I were on a desert island, I would hope for a tree growing some music by these men!  Oh, and a bottle of wine, and a nice steak, and . . . .