Jeremy Moeller, Trombone
Principal
Hometown: Chicago
Joined Lyric Orchestra in 2009
Education: Eastman School of Music, BM and Performers Certificate; Shepherd School of Music, Rice University, MM
What is your favorite opera to perform?
While there are a few operas that come to mind (Lohengrin would come a close second), the opera I've enjoyed performing the most would have to be Benjamin Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream. He used a small chamber orchestra in the pit, and everyone played integral parts of the story. His use of the trombone made the work an absolute hoot to play. Not surprisingly, the trombone was usually playing during the goofier parts of the story. It was fun to hear the audience laughing during certain moments that I was playing (while hoping they were laughing WITH the story, not AT the trombonist)!
What works coming up in future seasons are you most looking forward to performing?
I'm really looking forward to beginning the operas of Richard Wagner's "Ring Cycle" in a few seasons. They represent such a monumental achievement in the music world. I actually even wrote a paper on them during my graduate studies. I loved performing Lohengrin and Parsifal here at the Lyric Opera, and considering the cast we've begun to assemble for the Ring Cycle, I know it'll be a special experience. On a selfish "trombonist" note, I've always wanted to play the Ride of the Valkyries during a full staged performance!
Outside of the pit:
My favorite thing to do outside of the pit is going golfing. In fact, most of the golf I get to do during the off-season is with Andy Smith and John Macfarlane (also members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra). I've been playing since I was about nine years old and have always loved it. I've never worked on it the way that I have my trombone playing, so I never expect TOO much on the course; however, I always enjoy being out on a beautiful course, preferably on a beautiful day!
Tell us about some of your favorite non-classical music:
As a child of MTV in the 80's, I grew up with groups like Duran Duran and Tears for Fears. However, in middle school, I was introduced to Metallica, and my love for heavy metal and hard rock was born. Through high school and college, I found myself moving towards progressive bands like Tool, Rush, and Porcupine Tree. Over the last few years, I've also really gotten into some of the classic hard rock bands like Led Zeppelin, The Who, and Queen, as well. I think it has always surprised people that a classical trombonist has been a "metal head" since he was about 12 years old. To say my cd collection runs from "Mozart to Metallica" is actually true!