Nathan Sherman, viola

What do you enjoy most about being in the NSO?

Being surrounded by a complexity of sound, and by a good-natured viola section!

Where did you study?

Royal Irish Academy of Music, Royal Academy of Music, and the Escuela Superiór de Música de Catalunya.

Why did you choose to play your instrument?

When I was young, a student at my school demonstrated the viola to me and I thought, wow that is so dark and beautiful! Each instrument has certain characteristics, but I think the viola has a unique timbre which obviously resonated with me immediately.

Which work are you most excited to perform this season?

Mahler’s Ninth Symphony [on May 30] – the last movement is just divine.

Who is your favourite composer, and what is your favourite work?

Too difficult! Janáˇcek, Reich, Schubert, Tallis, but if I have to choose one work it would probably be Enescu’s Octet.

Do you have any secret talents?

I am involved in a few experimental metal duos which I write music for. I was never an improviser, but these projects have been thrilling to be involved in.

What was the last book/podcast/TV you really loved?

What We Lost in the Fire, and The Dangers of Smoking in Bed, both by Mariana Enríquez -really fantastic books of short horror stories.

You’re stranded on a desert island. You’re allowed 3 CDs and 1 book. What would
they be, and why?

Smashing Pumpkins’ Siamese Dream, one of my first rock albums which I had on cassette. The Rite of Spring with Leonard Bernstein and the NY Philharmonic. I heard this when I was 11 and it blew me away. Guarneri Quartet playing Beethoven Opp. 131 & 132; just magic. With a lot of time to think, I would probably pick a book that helps you keep your sanity, like Zen training or something.

If you could have dinner with anyone (alive or dead) who would it be, and why?

All of my grandparents and my family. I never met my Spanish grandfather, but I would have loved my kids to have met my grandparents – they were such interesting and fantastic people.