Michael Larco

Michael Larco

Instrument: Viola

With the RPO since: 2005

Hometown: Glastonbury, CT

Drink or food you're most likely to order at Java's: Single Espresso

When not performing with the RPO, you can find me ... Visiting my fiance in NYC, going to the Metropolitan Opera, performing with my group Fountain Ensemble, cooking at home, sailing in the summer, skiing and practicing.

First music-related memory: Hearing the 1812 Overture at an outdoor concert in Hartford. My grandfather played the euphonium in the Governor's Foot Guard Band and I went to all of his concerts and parades. I also remember hanging out in his shoe repair shop on Saturday afternoons listening to the live Metropolitan Opera broadcasts.

I decided to be a professional musician when ... I couldn't stop listening to music and dreaming about it...

Favorite travel destination: Italy and Bermuda

Influential teachers: I have had many influential viola teachers including Heidi Castleman, Thomas Rieble, Samuel Rhodes and Bruno Giuranna. I have also learned and been inspired by conductors including Seiji Ozawa, James Levine, Kurt Masur and Otto-Werner Mueller.

Favorite ice cream flavor: Ben and Jerry's Heath Bar Crunch

What are your other "hidden" talents? Well, this is not a talent, however, I am a weather fanatic.

Do you teach private students? Yes

What other orchestras have you performed with? New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Absolute Ensemble, Spoleto Festival Orchestra (Italy) and Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra.

Favorite restaurant in town: I have not yet been to many restaurants in Rochester, however I love Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, best ribs anywhere and the Strathallan for a martini and fine jazz!

What types of music do you like to listen to? Well, my list of favorite composers include Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Ravel, Puccini and Verdi.

My favorite part of working in the RPO is ... The opportunity to perform so many fantastic pieces and to continually be inspired by my colleagues performances in concerts and rehearsals.

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Biography

Michael Larco joined the RPO viola section in the fall of 2005. He has performed with the String Orchestra of New York, New York Philharmonic and Boston Symphony Orchestra and is also a member of New York City’s Fountain Ensemble. Mr. Larco earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Juilliard School, and teaches at the School for Strings, Diller-Quaile School of Music and St. David’s School, all in New York City.