Olita Povero
Instrument: Viola
With the RPO since: 1989
My earliest musical memory is that classical music was played on our living room stereo almost continuously. I remember Dad lying on the living room couch, totally absorbed in his Wagner opera recordings. My brother and I would later giggle through our inspired Brunhilde imitations.
I knew I would make music my career when I became a member of the Greater Philadelphia Youth Orchestra. Joe Primavera MADE us give everything we had and it felt great!
Most influential teachers: Max Aronoff, Ellen Rose, Delmar Pettys, Yumi Ninomiya Scott. Also thanks to Joseph Doran of Marple Newtown High who turned me on to Bartok as well as American folk music.
Favorite composer and/or musical period: Brahms, Prokofiev and Stravinsky
What do you most enjoy about performing? Everything - the preparation, the anticipation before the first sounds are delivered, the unfolding of great works of music, the teamwork that it takes to convey great depths of emotion, the magical feeling when it all comes together, the applause at the end and the satisfaction for a job well done.
What is your favorite part of being a member of the RPO? I also love jazz, soul, rock, folk and funk. With Jeff Tyzik at the helm of our Pops series, we play it all.
When I'm not onstage, you might find me at Wegmans with my kids.
I love to dine at my in-laws. Best sauce anywhere!
My favorite thing about Rochester is the seasons. Having lived eight years in Texas, I know what it is to be without!
What do you think is the Orchestra's most important role in our community? The orchestra hall can be a sanctuary. Come shake off the day, reflect, celebrate!
Biography
Originally from Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Olita Povero received her bachelor’s degree from the New School of Music, an orchestral studies conservatory in Philadelphia founded by her teacher Max Aronoff, and whose faculty included the Curtis String Quartet and Philadelphia Orchestra members. Ms. Povero continued her studies with Kim Kashkashian, and obtained her master’s degree from Southern Methodist University as a student of Ellen Rose. Before joining the RPO, she played in the Dallas Opera, Ballet and Chamber Orchestras.
