By definition, the concertmaster of an orchestra plays first-chair violin and tunes the orchestra for all rehearsals and performances. Do you have other duties as concertmaster with the Metropolitan Orchestra of St. Louis?

Those are the most visible “duties” for sure! In addition, it’s my responsibility to determine the bowings I’d like to use and then those bowings are shared with the other string section leaders to match the style for their parts. I’m also a liaison of sorts between the string section and the conductor. It’s my job to ask questions and clarify details so not every player is calling out to the conductor during the rehearsal. There are also orchestral etiquette traditions that are led by the concertmaster such as when the orchestra stands up and sits down and little details like that–if I’m doing it right it should be seamless and not draw attention.

Tell us a little about your formative years as a classical performer.

I grew up playing in the Parkway School District string program and I participated in the St. Louis All Suburban Orchestras. I started playing the violin in school because it was something every third grader did, and I just never stopped. I took private lessons all through school and it led to majoring in music in college. As a kid I sang in choirs and played percussion in the marching band but playing the violin was what I loved to do the most. I went to a small college and had a lot of opportunities to play and to be a leader. In grad school I kept getting opportunities to play–symphonies, chamber music, operas, and touring shows–these experiences have helped me in my entire playing career.

Do you regularly perform with other local or regional classical ensembles besides MOSL?

Yes, I am honored to play for Union Avenue Opera and for Winter Opera. I really enjoy the collaborative aspect of playing in the pit. Playing operas is a challenge I enjoy. Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to play with other regional ensembles including shows at The Fox Theatre and The Bach Society. There are a lot of talented people in our region, and I enjoy getting to be a part of the community of musicians.

In addition to performing, I spend a lot of time teaching. I’m one of the orchestra teachers in the School District of Washington where I get to teach orchestra students in grades 5–12.

Photo by: Lisa Watson

Susie, I believe you and your husband own Thierbach Orchards and Berry Farm in Marthasville which produces some of the most flavorful fruits and ciders in the region. Is this love a close second to your love for music?

Yes, in Marthasville where I live people think of me as the Peach Lady and don’t really know that I play the violin. I do enjoy the orchard! My husband, Otto, planted the orchard before we were married and I didn’t really know what I was signing up for but we’ve had fun growing the business over the last 26 years. We are a pick-your-own operation where customers come to pick cherries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, and apples. Through the orchard I’ve met many wonderful people who enjoy coming to the farm. I’m fortunate that Otto has a musical background, so he’s always been supportive of my playing career.

I believe your daughter has also performed with MOSL recently. How special is it to take the stage with her for a concert?

Oh, my goodness it’s so fun when I get to play concerts with Elise! She’s currently working on her masters in Cello at UMKC. When she was in high school she played a concert with MOSL as part of the Sharing the Stand program. Now when she plays with us it’s as a professional player! When she was in undergraduate school at MSU, I got to travel to Springfield and play concerts with her in the Springfield Symphony, and then we had the amazing opportunity to play together in Carnegie Hall with the MSU Orchestra. I dragged Lisa Sinden-Gottfried along on that trip and it’s an experience I’ll always treasure.

Which works in the upcoming season most ignite your musical passions?

Every concert has at least one piece that I haven’t played before and I enjoy learning new music. I love playing Handel, Mozart, Brahms and Beethoven! I also love a good challenge like the Hindemith, and we don’t often get to play works like the Symphonic Metamorphosis so I’m excited about that. In grad school I always enjoyed playing new compositions, so the Stefan Freund/Kate Klise piece is very intriguing! I am thankful for the opportunity to play with this great orchestra and love the different musical challenges!

“I am thankful for the opportunity to play with this great orchestra and I love the different musical challenges.”