Harold Lieberman, viola
What instruments do you play?
viola, viola da gamba, viola d’amore, baroque viola
What is your educational background?
Bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley in music, Masters from Manhattan School of Music in viola
When did you start playing for the PSO? And where else do you perform?
1989, Vermont Symphony, Rhode Island Philharmonic
Where did you grow up?
Chicago and Palo Alto, CA
Where do you currently live?
Boston
Describe a typical day.
Practice, cook, post snarky remarks on Facebook
What is your favorite PSO memory to date?
Being greeted by my colleagues upon my return to playing after being in the hospital for 6 weeks with GBS. The love I felt was amazing.
How did you get started in music?
A small group from the Chicago Symphony played at my elementary school when I was 7. I was enraptured. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER CUT FUNDING FOR IN SCHOOL PROGRAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!
What is the most frequently asked question when you tell someone that you play for the PSO?
I usually get asked that question when I show up in one of the local Portland restaurants with my instrument, so they ask when the concert is so that they can prepare for the dinner rush.
If you couldn’t be a musician, what would be your dream job?
If I couldn’t be a musician, I wouldn’t have a job, I’d have a room in a psych ward.
What is your favorite music? What are you currently listening to?
My favorite music is whatever I’m playing at the moment. I listen to a lot of 15th-18th century music
What are your hobbies?
Cheese making, knitting, baking
What or who has been your greatest influence in life?
My father
What is your favorite thing about Maine?
Playing in the PSO and hanging out in Portland