We had the good fortune of connecting with Alina Kobialka and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alina, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I found myself drawn to music and the arts as a child, and as I grew older, it became a huge part of my identity. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know how to play the violin. I decided to pursue classical violin because it fulfills me so much to do this as a career. No matter how bad a day I have, I feel better whenever I get to play my instrument. It is a form of love I can give both to myself and to others.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My parents are both classical musicians. My father was the former Principal Second of the San Francisco Symphony, and my mother still currently plays in the orchestra. They started me out on the violin and piano when I was five years old, and as I got older, I gravitated more and more toward the violin. As a teenager, I joined the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra, accelerating my growth as a musician and furthering my love for classical music. I began to receive opportunities to perform in various countries, including Germany, Japan, and Macau. When college application season rolled around, it felt only natural to pursue a career in music.

During college, my performance opportunities continued to grow, and I began to really find my voice and expression. Although my parents are both musicians, I alone chose this career for myself and it has been so rewarding. Music has been a part of all the ups and downs of my life, and it will continue to take me to many places I wouldn’t have had an opportunity to travel to otherwise. All these experiences have culminated in my joining the New York Philharmonic this year, which is truly my dream job!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a new resident of NYC, I am looking forward to exploring more of the city. As of now, I would take them to Central Park (especially during the fall when the leaves are changing), all my favorite restaurants, and most definitely my workplace, the newly renovated David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank my friends and family for all their love and support over the years. I also want to express my gratitude to all my teachers over the years – Ilya Kaler, Robert Lipsett, Danielle Belen, Wei He, and Li Lin. Without all your support over the years, I would not be where I am today!

Website: www.alinakobialka.com

Instagram: alinakobialka

Facebook: Alina Kobialka

Image Credits
Anastasia Chernyavsky, Pete Checchia

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