Meet the Musicians: Michael Casimir, viola

Michael Casimir joined the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in the 2018/19 season.

What do you love most about your instrument?

In the string family, I think of the viola like the playmaker [in a soccer team]. I grew up playing soccer, and my favorite player was [the Brazilian player] Ronaldinho. He wasn’t focused solely on scoring goals—he created opportunities, controlled the flow of the game, and made everyone around him better. That’s how I think about playing the viola. I’m not usually the one carrying the melody, but I help shape the ensemble by driving the inner rhythm, connecting the harmony, and creating the foundation that lets the melody shine.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

You can’t stand out by doing exactly what everyone else is doing.  Of course, you need to master the fundamentals, but that’s just the starting point. The real question is: What are you doing to make your music-making uniquely yours?

What’s the most unusual place you’ve played your instrument?

The Parthenon in Greece.

What do you love about the SLSO?

I’ve always felt valued and appreciated. I’ve never once doubted my place in this orchestra and our wonderful viola section! I am always grateful that this was the first orchestra job I won.

Learn more about Michael here.

Compiled by Iain Shaw.