Retiring Musician Spotlight: Q&A with Katja Linfield
Minnesota Orchestra cellist Katja Linfield, who retires this summer after performing in the cello section since 1990, shares comments on favorite Orchestra memories and traditions, special family ties, what she plans to do in retirement and more.
What are some of your favorite Minnesota Orchestra concert memories?
I was born in Düsseldorf, Germany, and my German grandmother was a huge part of my musical support. She bought a bow for me in 6th grade, and it is actually the bow I won my Minnesota Orchestra audition on and the bow I still use as my primary bow. It’s nothing fancy, but I know it well and no other bow has felt as good. I always dreamt of one day performing in Düsseldorf with my grandmother in the audience. Our European tour in 2009 included the Tonhalle in Düsseldorf. Unfortunately, my grandmother passed away in 1989, but my cousins, aunt and uncle were in the audience (and I know my grandmother was present in spirit!)
One of my favorite recording projects was working with Frederica von Stade when we recorded Dominick Argento’s Casa Guidi. She is a special musician and has such an incredible range, not to mention being a really nice human! The tour to South Africa in 2018 was epic. The concert in Soweto will forever be one of the most incredible experiences I have had in my career. Such an historic setting and moving atmosphere with an electric audience. That afternoon, between the rehearsal and the concert, my wife and I decided to forego dinner in order to visit the residential district Kliptown, cello in tow, to experience local culture and share some music with children in the community. A powerful and memorable day I will never forget.
What are some ways you’ve noticed the Orchestra has changed over the years?
The musicians of the Orchestra are a very large and tight family. When I joined the orchestra I was 24 years old—one of the “young ones.” A few of us used to affectionately refer to some of our colleagues as “the old farts.” Thirty-four years later, the tables have turned and I am the “old fart” sitting with new hires who weren’t even born yet when I graduated from college! I embrace the moniker with pride and a smile!
What's something that makes the Minnesota Orchestra’s cello section unique?
The cello section has always been close-knit. We have consistently had a great mix of personalities, which I have enjoyed so much. Though we are very focused, humor is an ever-present part of our workday. We are the only cello section I know of that keeps up a silly tradition on double rehearsal days: the first rehearsal begins at 10 a.m. and the second rehearsal ends at 3:35 p.m. Someone always looks for the clock to hit 10:35 a.m., then taps [Principal Cello] Tony [Ross] on the shoulder as if to ask a question. When he turns around we all show him an open hand of five fingers, indicating that we have five hours left of rehearsal. This tradition existed when I joined the Orchestra in 1990 and still continues to this day!
What activities are on your to-do list after officially retiring from the Orchestra?
I look forward, of course, to being in the audience instead of onstage. It is such a different experience. I have dabbled in woodworking over the last few years and am slowly building up a woodworking shop in my garage. I am learning and creating and look forward to delving into this passion. I am also much more available, especially on weekends, to play ice hockey games and scrimmages, sometimes playing 5 times a week. Travel, travel, travel! I have the freedom to travel more, and farther, with my wife Annie, as well as visiting my three daughters, who are all still on the East Coast.
As you are the Orchestra’s only parent of triplets, what’s the best thing about that part of your life?
Well, I have always said “With triplets there is never a dull moment!” Yes, each of them played an instrument early on, and one played cello, but music became an important part of their culture without being pursued as a career. Now that my daughters are adults, I am thoroughly enjoying following their pursuits and paths forward in three very different fields—art history and curation, biology, and international relations and European studies.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Most musicians, once they decide when they will retire, choose a concert that feels like a nice program to “go out on.” I love the tradition of the retiree being acknowledged on stage at their last concert, by the musicians and the audience. Because I took a leave of absence this past year, and decided my retirement during the leave, I will not experience this. Unfortunately, my daughters are very sad that they could not be present for my last orchestral performance. They have a long and very personal history with the Minnesota Orchestra family and our performances, from desperately crying “Mommy!” at their first Young People’s Concerts, to attending performances as adults. I am a “below-the-radar” type of person and I feel going out in this quiet fashion suits me. (Plus, I know if I were acknowledged in the traditional way on stage I would be a blubbering mess!)
