Christina D’Antonio
Acting Section Viola
Christina D’Antonio is a violist currently serving as Section Viola with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. She is a recent graduate of Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, earning her Master of Music degree with esteemed Viola Professor Ivo-Jan van der Werff, and previously earning her Bachelor of Music from Oberlin College and Conservatory, studying with Peter Slowik. At Oberlin, she was a founding member of the Acacia Quartet, an ensemble dedicated to presenting modern works by living composers alongside classical string quartet repertoire. The group worked with composer Elizabeth Ogonek and presented a notable performance with the Oberlin College Choir, among other engagements.
As an orchestral musician, D’Antonio performed with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago in high school and now takes pleasure in being an extra member of the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet, and Houston Opera Orchestras.
Summers at Credo Chamber Music, Domaine Forget, Bowdoin Festival, and multiple orchestral fellowships at Tanglewood Music Festival and Aspen Music Festival School have forged a deep passion for chamber music and orchestral performance. An avid teacher, D’Antonio takes pleasure in teaching in her own private studio and serves as Viola Faculty at local Chicagoland area summer festivals.
Off stage, D’Antonio enjoys exploring different coffee shops in any area she is in, making her own espresso at home, reading, and exploring local art museums.
What piece made you fall in love with music?
Dvořák’s Piano Quintet. I was at a chamber festival in high school, and the faculty there performed this piece, and I was moved to tears. I knew then that I was going to go into music and absolutely love it.
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
Taking a nap followed by a cup of coffee. Resting up and being awake is the best way for me to be present in a performance.
What's an interesting tidbit about how you chose your instrument?
I didn't really choose my instrument; my parents signed my brother and me up for lessons in a Suzuki program after reading an article that music/playing an instrument was good for children's brain development. My parents didn't want to drive my brother and me to different weekly lessons, rightfully so, and the only instrument with two slots available was the viola. I fell in love with the instrument and haven't looked back since.
