Melissa Burton Anderson

Instrument: Cello

With the RPO since: 1999.

Favorite time of year in Rochester: Summer ... it is (usually) warm and sunny

Hometown: Rochester!

Drink or food you're most likely to order at Java's: Chai or a grilled focaccio sandwich

When not performing with the RPO, you can find me ... teaching, practicing, rehearsing, swimming, reading, walking in Park Ave. neighborhood, going to the Little Theatre

First music-related memory: Going to see The Nutcracker at the Eastman Theatre

I decided to be a professional musician when ... It was a long process...

Favorite travel destination(s): Italy, Hawaii

Influential teachers: Richard Kaspuscinski, Lynn Richmond, Burton Kaplan, Edie Schneider, William Pleeth

Favorite ice cream flavor: chocolate

What are your other "hidden" talents: Cooking, gardening

Do you teach private students? Yes, and at Eastman Community Music School

What other orchestras have you performed with? Honolulu Symphony, Jacksonville Symphony, San Francisco Ballet, California Symphony, Women's Philharmonic, Western Opera

Favorite restaurant in town and why: Two Vine ... like the food and atmosphere

What types of music do you like to listen to? Almost any Bach, many types of vocal music, pop, rock and jazz

The RPO is essential to Rochester because ... It provides the opportunity for all ages to hear quality musical performances through most of the year in the historic Eastman Theatre. The RPO presents many educational concerts for school children, and we bring world-class soloists in classical and jazz music to Rochester every year.

My favorite part of working in the RPO is: The professionalism of the players ... there is a consistently high level of performance.

If someone were visiting Rochester, what would you tell them to go see or do? Take a bike ride on the canal ... and go to hear a concert of the RPO!