It's been very exciting for me to start directing and conducting, exploring the symphonic repertoire, which I've always loved.

Beethoven's symphonies are not 'relaxing.' They are the most exciting things that have ever been created by a human being.

I kind of alternate between conducting and playing and kind of juggling those things, but I don't use a baton.

I think it's really important to always kind of stretch your boundaries and your limits and get out of your comfort zone. And for me, that's very important.

The orchestra confides in me about their music director or their conductor, and I've never seen a conductor that's been liked by everyone.

What drew me to the violin was mastering the instrument technically, which I'm continuing to do. You want to push boundaries, to not always be in your comfort zone. If you don't, you get stale. So you have to find areas of growth.