Kim Hartquist

Kim Hartquist

Position: Librarian

With the RPO since: 1996

Favorite time of year in Rochester: Fall - the change of seasons is quite beautiful.

Hometown: Rochester, NY

What you're most likely to order at Java's: Health Cookie

When not performing with the RPO, you can find me ... Birding in any of the many parks or kayaking in any of the wonderful waterways of the area. 

First music-related memory: Sitting on the floor right in the middle of an orchestra for what must have been similar to our Tiny Tots programs.
 
I decided to be a professional musician when ...  I tried to be a science major at the University of Rochester but kept finding myself in the music wing.

Favorite travel destination: Yellowstone National Park, on a back country Horse Pack Trip.

Influential teachers: Everette Gates, Charles Van Buren, Steve Douglass.

Favorite ice cream flavor: Just plain Vanilla (Vanilla bean vanilla!)

What are your other "hidden" talents? I enjoy doing things around the house whether it’s a plumbing project, a remodeling project or a wood working project.

Do you teach private students? As a librarian, no. But I do freelance copy work for composers, both local and around the country, who need their manuscript printed.

Oddest RPO concert memory ... My oddest librarian memory is of Christopher Seaman, a guest soloist and me working backstage, on the floor, under one very dim backstage light to make last minute changes to the parts late after an evening rehearsal.

Favorite restaurant in town: Beale Street

What types of music do you like to listen to? I like a little of most styles of music.

Do you have a pet? I have two cats – a grey tiger girl kitty named Evon (she was Ivan the Terrible before being declared a girl) and a black Ollie Cat.

The RPO is essential to Rochester because ... It provides high quality musical opportunities for both listener and performer in many different settings and in many different styles.

My favorite part of working in the RPO is ...  the entire RPO organization. It is an incredible group of hard working people who care about what they are doing – all with the goal of creating good music for the Greater Rochester area.

If someone were visiting Rochester, what would you tell them to go see or do? The Strong Museum, Highland Park, George Eastman house and Wegmans!