Mark Fisher, Trombone

Hometown: Mason City, Iowa

Joined Lyric Orchestra in 1996

Education: BME from the University of Northern Iowa, MM from the New England Conservatory of Music

• What is your most memorable Lyric performance or experience?

Too many to list! A few of my favorite Lyric performances have been Zubin Mehta's Ring cycle, Christian Thielemann's Meistersinger, Semyon Bychkov's Tristan und Isolde and Markus Stenz's Katya Kabanova. These 4 conductors brought a rare vitality, magnetism and command to the proceedings, which made for a palpable electricity throughout the entire opera house. These types of experiences are truly magical and memorable.

• Why did you choose your instrument?

I chose my instrument, the trombone, sort of by default. Having played the euphonium from the 3rd grade all the way through college, I knew that the performance opportunities on that beautiful instrument were unfortunately limited compared with the trombone. I then pursued my masters degree in trombone performance, and have enjoyed a varied and exciting career since. (I do still relish playing the euphonium, whenever I get the chance!)

• Outside of the pit:

I'm often found either teaching at DePaul University or in another pit, at the Santa Fe Opera Festival. I enjoy good food, wine and distance running with my musicologist girlfriend Ellie, and camping trips with my Newfoundland named Bear.

• What have you binge-watched lately?

My most recent binge-watching episodes have included the mini series House of Cards, re-runs of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and House Hunters International, and the DVD set on the Civil War by Ken Burns.