Mozart and BCBG: Caroline Goulding, 'Tcheers for Tchaikovsky,' at Wolf Trap
You’ve been called a child prodigy. Is that a lot of pressure?
Not really. I actually dislike the term “prodigy,” and it never really affected me. Playing violin has always been a passion of mine, so it wasn’t ever something that I felt pressured to do. I loved it from age 3. It was like a hobby at first, like the way kids play basketball. But it grew into something more.
When did you decide to become a professional violinist?
I played with Isaac Stern and 100 other kids for his 80th birthday celebration. He was one of my favorite violinists at that time. He still is. That’s when I started dreaming of doing this for the rest of my life. I was 7, so, of course, it was a dream, but it’s been a natural transition from a dream to a goal.
How often do you practice?
Three hours a day, which is on the lighter side. I have friends who practice eight hours a day, but it’s different for different people. I have a short attention span, and it works for me. When I need to start doing more, I’ll know.
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You’re performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, considered one of the most difficult works for violin ever written. Is it grueling?
Yes. It’s a large work, about 45 minutes long. I’ve played it with an orchestra before, but I still have to build up my endurance for it.
Do you mean mental or physical endurance?
Both. The concerto is very athletic, but also so romantic and lyrical, so you have to prepare for both. Someone recently told me Tchaikovsky was a great admirer of Mozart. You wouldn’t think that, but now I’m going back and playing this music differently than I did before. Mozart’s my favorite composer, so it was interesting to hear.
Have you made pilgrimages to Europe to see where your favorite composers lived?
I haven’t yet! But I’m going to be doing some European debuts this year, so maybe I’ll venture out. I’d love to visit Vienna.
You’re also a very stylish violinist. Any favorite designers?
I’m not an expert on fashion, but I love Dior and Chanel. Of course, I don’t wear those labels on a regular basis, but I’m more of a classic person, obviously. I love wearing BCBG dresses. They’re very comfortable to perform in.
Photo by Lisa-Marie Mazzucco
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