Susan Cahill Fun Facts
Q: Where do you get your musical inspiration?
A: I am of course inspired by all of the amazing musicians I get to work with on a regular basis. When I'm in the practice room I often think of a certain aesthetic ideal that a colleague has, and then to try to live up to that myself. There are so many people I could name who are inspirations in this way, and I'd hate to leave anyone out by naming them, but they know who they are!
Q: What made you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
A: Not so much a what as a whom. I credit my mom. My mother used to play a Rachmaninov piece on the piano when I was very small and that was my inspiration to start piano, an instrument I studied all the way through college. After that experience as a child it wasn't so much a realization that I wanted a career in music as it was the thought that "Music is the coolest thing ever, so how can I find a way do it all day, every day?" Corny, I know, but it's the truth. nbsp;
Q: What are some current projects you are working on?
A: In addition to playing with the Colorado Symphony, I have a new band called Grande Orquesta Navarre made up of some colleagues of mine from my previous tango band, Extasis as well as one of our local rock stars, Tom Hagerman of Devotchka. We had a great world premiere in December as a featured artist on my concert series, Denver Eclectic. In May I'll be returning to perform with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, truly a great group of musicians. I've also been busy writing music for the pre concert jazz concert this summer.
Q: What drew you to the Colorado College Summer Music Festival?
A: The fact that so much attention is paid to making sure the bassists are equal chamber partners makes this festival unique, and this is a huge draw for me. The bass often gets a bit of the short end of the stick in the chamber world, but not here at CCSMF! It's also known to be such a great collegial and family atmosphere. The unofficial 'Summer Rules' for festivals always include that people are supportive and get along well, and Sue Grace has done a great job creating that environment.
Q: What are you most excited for this upcoming festival season?
A: I'm really excited about opening the faculty artists concerts with Dave Ying performing the Rossini Duo for cello and bass, as well as the Claude Bowling Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio. And of course I'm thrilled to be doing more pre concert jazz with the unbelievably talented John Novacek! Last but certainly not least I'm really looking forward to working with my bass students, and all the other CCSMF fellows.
- Susan Cahill 2016
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Last updated: 12/17/2020