Player Portrait

Kenneth Finch

Cello

First season with the Oregon Symphony:

1984-1985

Most influential teacher(s):

As an 8th grader, I began studies with Dr. Robert Hladky at the University of Oregon, who gave me a very strong foundation. Through all my other teachers and mentors, I've never had to 're-make' my technique.

Earliest musical memory:

I have a vivid memory as a three-year-old, singing "row, row, row your boat" with two of my brothers and getting the idea of a round for the first time. That was exciting!

"I first knew I would make music my career when ... "

I don't know if I ever chose music as a career. Performing is what I do. I chose to get my degrees in performance. I have invested heavily in my equipment. I feel it is a privilege to make a living at what I choose to do.

"Other than performing music, I've always thought it might be fun to be a ... "

Traveler.

Favorite composer and/or period?

Attempting to identify my favorites is difficult. We have so many masterpieces in the fine arts to experience. So much has come before and so much more is to come. Okay, I can do without Groffe's Grand Canyon Suite but I can make many different pieces or periods my favorite at different times.

What does this photograph say about your life?

Look closely, and you will see that my son is wearing my concert tails coat and my daughter is wearing my wife's black concert jacket. With both their mom and dad in the orchestra, their lives revolve around the Oregon Symphony too. As a family, when we find common time we love to enjoy things together. Both of those kids are great little skiers, and it is wonderful to hear them humming Beethoven symphonies while flying down the mountain.

What do you enjoy most about performing?

Ah, performing music! How do we describe in words something we do without words. Well, however you describe it, it works in all languages. It even makes your plants grow better, keeps your dog calm, exercises your toes.

Other than playing great music, what do you see as the Symphony's most important role?

Imagine any city the size of Portland with no symphony, no art museum, no statues, nothing but great paving jobs and a working sewer system. Now come back to reality and cherish our community and its ability to have visits not only from Bach, Beethoven and Copland, but from Yo-Yo Ma, Bill Cosby, and Van Cliburn.

What is your favorite part of being a member of the Oregon Symphony?

Well, this is selfish. I learn so much about a wide variety of music by rehearsing and performing it, and I get to experience up close the many different personalities that either write it, conduct it, arrange it or perform it with us.

Player Portrait