Ruth Lenz

RENO PHIL CONCERTMASTER

What year did you join the orchestra?
1991

How long have you been playing music?
My whole life! I played my first recognizable song on piano when I was two and also started violin then.

How did you pick your instrument?
I think I gravitated to violin because I saw my mom playing hers and wanted to try it too.

Occupation?
Musician… I’ve dedicated my life to learning my instrument and have a doctorate in music performance.

When you’re not playing with the Reno Phil, what would we most likely see you doing in your free time?
Something outside…. maybe gardening or hiking with my kids and dog. Or cuddled up in a chair reading would be nice too!

What genre of music are you most excited to play?
I have a lot of fun playing all kinds of music…. Broadway, Baroque…. but I think I’m happiest playing Brahms.

What is your favorite piece of all time to play, and why?
I can’t answer this…but one of them is Brahms 1…

If you could meet one composer/musician, who would it be and why?
Clara Schumann

What is your favorite vacation spot?
I love taking road trips around the west and Southwest. The national parks and the Rockies and the desert are some of my favorite places!

What do you think the audience would find surprising about you?
I really like old school Metallica and other 70s/80s heavy metal

What about performing live music brings you joy?
I love when all the practicing and rehearsing pays off and we have these musical moments where both the musicians and audience can connect.