In Perfect Harmony

We introduce you to our coverstars

Compiled by Melissa Mahanes / Photos by David Dobson

JUN IWASAKI

First Violin Concertmaster, Walter Buchanan Sharp Chair Years with Symphony: 10 Favorite piece to play with the Symphony: Too hard to choose one But I always enjoy playing Mahler Symphonies Favorite thing to do when not at work: cooking and spending time with my family Fun fact: I was born in Japan

JULIA HARGUINDEY

Bassoon, Principal Years with Symphony: 5 Favorite piece to play with the Symphony: Any Shostakovich Symphony Favorite thing to do when not at work: Traveling the world Fun fact: I’m a little obsessed with pet rabbits

DANIEL REINKER

Viola, Principal Years with Symphony: 20 Favorite piece to play with the Symphony: Shostakovich Fifth Symphony Favorite thing to do when not at work: Running Fun fact: Grew up in Cleveland, OH!

LYNN MARIE PEITHMAN

Cello Years with Symphony: 36 Favorite piece to play with the Symphony: Changes all the time. Today it’s Prokofiev Symphony No. 5 Favorite thing to do when not at work: Spend time with my 15-year-old son, before I have an empty nest Fun fact: I get to spend the next 6 months driving with my 15-year-old at the wheel. God help us!

GERALD GREER

First Violin, Acting Assistant Concertmaster Years with Symphony: 30 Favorite piece to play with the Symphony: Mahler Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection” Favorite thing to do when not at work: Spend time on my farm with my family and my animals Fun fact: I am a City Council member and serve on the Planning Commission for the town of Ashland City. I live on a farm with 6 horses, 10 miniature donkeys, 4 little potbellied pigs and 6 dogs. During the pandemic, I raised a baby donkey on the bottle after he was rejected by his mother. He then imprinted on me as his “parent”. His name is Eeyore. I am also a bee keeper.

LAURA ROSS

Second Violin Years with Nashville Symphony: 38 Favorite piece to play: Richard Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier: Suite Favorite thing to do when not at work: Photography Fun fact: I have perfect pitch

GLEN WANNER

Bass, Assistant Principal Years with Symphony: 31 Favorite piece to play with the Symphony: Any Beethoven Symphony, especially 1,2,4, and 8 since we don’t play them as often Favorite thing to do when not at work: Bicycling and kayaking Fun fact: I Listen to classic and progressive rock more than classical

JOSHUA HICKMAN

Timpani, Principal Hometown: Columbus, OH Years with Symphony: 6 Favorite piece to play with the Symphony: Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 Favorite thing to do when not at work: Travel, go to the beach Fun fact: He is currently pursuing a doctorate in percussion from the University of Maryland School of Music

KATHERINE KOHLER

Clarinet, Acting Principal Years with Symphony: 4 Favorite piece to play with the Symphony: Petrushka by Igor Stravinsky Favorite thing to do when not at work: Spend time with my nieces, nephew, and miniature schnauzer Fun fact: I renovated my 1948 Nashville house with the help of my family

GILBERT LONG

Tuba, Principal Years with Symphony: 43 Favorite piece to play with the Symphony: Any Mahler Favorite thing to do when not at work: Golfing Fun fact: I love motorcycles and I joined the Orchestra after my father Rufus Long retired from the NSO as Principal Flute

TITUS UNDERWOOD

Oboe, Principal Years with Symphony: 4 Favorite piece to play with the Symphony: I’m not one to have a favorite piece, but I do love playing things with lovely oboe solos! Favorite thing to do when not at work: I love to travel with my wife Fun fact: I am an Emmy Award winner (for We Are Nashville 2020 video project)

ALEC BLAZEK

Trumpet Years with Symphony: 5 Favorite piece to play with the Symphony: One of my favorite performances with the NSO was Copland’s Third Symphony at the end of my first season. A close second would be performing along with the film Jurassic Park. Favorite thing to do when not at work: I’ve gotten into weight lifting over the past few months, and I also enjoy a bit of cooking, reading, and playing chess Fun fact: During college I spent 3 summers performing with a couple Drum & Bugle Corps, and I’ve been teaching in the drum corps activity for 4 years now

TONY PARCE

Viola Years with Symphony: 3 Favorite piece to play with the Symphony: Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances, Schoenberg Verklarte Nacht, Mahler 4 Favorite thing to do when not at work: I love going for long walks with my wife Grace and dog Rupert, and rock climbing! Fun fact: I once performed a solo piece by John Cage at the Grammys where I basically just throw things in a bathtub

EVAN BISH

Bass Years with Symphony: This is my first year as a full-time member, though I have subbed since 2016 Favorite piece to play with the Symphony: Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 Favorite thing to do when not at work: When not at work, I love to play cribbage! Fun fact: Before I played bass, I played violin for 4 years

MICHELLE COLLINS

Viola Years with Nashville Symphony: 27 Favorite piece to play: Any Brahms, Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5 and Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony (No. 3) Favorite thing to do when not at work: Hang out with my daughters and hubby Fun fact: I finished a marathon in my former life!