Christopher Costanza, cellist of the world-renowned St. Lawrence String Quartet, performed an evening of duets with pianist Stephen Prutsman at CSMA in May, 2022. The duo performed Cello Sonatas by Ludwig van Beethoven and Johannes Brahms.
We spoke with Christopher Costanza to find out more about him and what to expect from his performance in Tateuchi Hall.
Christopher Costanza, cello
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you begin playing and performing music?
I grew up in a musical family – my father was a pianist and a public school music teacher, and my paternal grandparents were enthusiastic amateur musicians (my grandmother played the piano, and my grandfather, the violin). I started piano lessons with my dad at age 6 and continued all the way through high school – he was my only piano teacher!.
Did you have access to music education in school?
At the age of 8, I began playing the cello through my school’s string instrument music program. When I was in 4th grade and 9 years old, I wanted to join my school’s band, so I began playing the bassoon; I continued playing all three instruments until I headed to college at age 18 (Manhattan School of Music at first, and then the New England Conservatory of Music), at which time cello became my entire musical focus. My first cello lessons were at my elementary school, and I quickly showed enthusiasm (and, according to my parents, I demonstrated some amount of talent as well!); I soon began private lessons outside of school, and within three years, we were driving 2½ hours each way, to the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, for weekly lessons with fabulous mentors. So my school music programs, in conjunction with unwavering support from my family, most definitely led to my early development as a musician.
What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?
The study of music is such an important part of life and should be encouraged on any number of levels. One can aim for a career in music, knowing that the path forward is one of hard work but few absolutes in terms of opportunities. Still, with complete dedication, optimism, and a spirit of innovation, it is very possible to enjoy a meaningfully rewarding life in music. On the other side of things, music can play an important role in the life of someone who pursues a career completely outside of music. I know dozens of lawyers, doctors, tech workers, university deans, etc. who are passionate musicians and love to take advantage of any and every opportunity to play music, in some cases by participating in professional ensembles.
Tell us about your experience playing with the St. Lawrence String Quartet.
I have been the cellist of the St. Lawrence String Quartet for nearly 19 years! During that time, I have enjoyed many of the most memorable and rewarding musical experiences of my life—thousands of concerts, several recordings, the intensive study of some of the most inspired and exciting repertoire on earth, interesting travel to all sorts of places, and musical interactions with inspiring musicians who I’m lucky to call friends and colleagues. And my extensive and extremely rewarding work at Stanford (as a full-time Artist in Residence) began the moment I joined the St. Lawrence Quartet. I am confident in saying that I am a better musician and human because of the years I’ve spent as part of this group.
What can the audience expect during the performance in Tateuchi Hall?
I love playing cello and piano duo repertoire, and I’m very excited that I’ll be joined by my old friend and colleague, the amazing pianist Stephen Prutsman, for this concert. We’ll be playing two of the most iconic works for the cello/piano combination: the A Major Sonata of Beethoven and the F Major Sonata by Brahms. Plus… a couple more old-school short gems that I’ll keep as surprises for the time being!
Anything else you would like to share with us?
As much as I love being the cellist of an exciting quartet, I particularly enjoy playing duo recitals with piano – in the old days, I played recitals all the time, but in recent years, not as much. My Tateuchi Hall recital is something I look forward to beyond words since it will reopen the door to playing music that is near and dear to my heart!
