Anita Felix, Violinist and Concertmaster of the Folsom Lake Symphony
May 25, 2016 09:52AM ● By David Norby
Violinist and concertmaster of the Folsom Lake Symphony since 2006, Anita Felix comes from a musical family—her mother is also a violinist (and fellow member of the symphony!) and her father is a gifted pianist. As a child, ballet was Felix’s first love. After years of divided attention, however, she chose to focus on music. Having joined her first symphony at the age of 16, today Felix also performs with the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera; the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra; and chamber musical groups Tres Musicos, Angelica Duo and the Erard Piano Quartet. What’s more, she coaches both the Sacramento Youth Symphony and the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra. Having completed her Master of Music (M.Mus.), Felix’s current sights are set on teaching and increasing her involvement with chamber music.
HLB: What do you enjoy most about the Folsom Lake Symphony?
AF: The sense of camaraderie that the members feel for each other. It’s a pleasure to be part of a hardworking group of musicians who enjoy making music [and see it as] integral to their lives—although it’s generally not their primary vocation. The support of the Folsom community for their orchestra is amazing, too! At a time when the arts are struggling to survive in so many cities, it’s something unique and special.
HLB: Do you have any tips for overcoming stage fright?
AF: Some are fortunate not to deal with performance nerves, but I’ve never overcome the nervousness before a performance—I feel it each time. Whenever we’re faced with risk, particularly when we’re putting ourselves on the line and we care greatly, it’s difficult to feel relaxed. I think the most important factors that lead to successful performances are to be well prepared and to realize that a performance is about sharing music with people who want you to tell them a story. Sometimes it involves blood, sweat and tears to achieve a high level, but once a performer steps on the stage, the concern is no longer about them. The audience wants to hear the music—they want to be moved emotionally. If a performer can [get lost] in the music and share their passion, a lot of the nerves will fall away.
HLB: What would you tell a student trying to advance?
AF: Attend a lot of live performances, listen to recordings of the great performers, and watch YouTube. There’s so much free education available online. It used to be that only a few were privy to watch an international competition or masterclass by a famous teacher. Now, with the Internet, we can have those great learning experiences right in our homes.
HLB: Is there something unusual people wouldn’t know about you?
AF: I completed my certification in handwriting analysis, which is something I enjoy. I think my inner psychologist likes to understand people and what makes them tick. Handwriting can give insight into a person’s learning style, imagination, sensitivity and drives.
HLB: What do you love about your community?
AF: I love to read and learn about California history. The Folsom/El Dorado Hills area is connected to the Gold Rush, and as I bike along the American River in the midst of the mining tailings, I like to imagine what the area looked like in the mid-19th century. The connection to history, nature and the arts in this area is really special.