Play It Forward – Catherine Hartrim-Lowe
Music that inspires one of 2023 All Classical Portland’s Youth Artist Ambassadors, Catherine Hartrim-Lowe
Meet Cellist Catherine Hartrim-Lowe. Principal Cellist in the Metropolitan Youth Symphony and one of All Classical Portland’s Youth Artist Ambassadors for 2023.
We recently asked Catherine what pieces of music have inspired her to become the musician she is today. Here are a few of Catherine’s selections.
Tchaikovsky, Andante Cantabile for Cello and Orchestra
“Tchaikovsky’s Andante Cantabile for Cello and Orchestra is a beautifully reflective, and hauntingly gorgeous cornerstone of the Romantic Era, and has inspired both my cello playing and oil painting over the years.”
William Grant Still, Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major
“Cunningly captioned as the “Humor” movement, William Grant Still’s third movement of his Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major will forever hold a special place in my heart. Not only do I adore the playful, soul-filled melodies, I also smile to think that I was once the featured banjo player with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony.”
Felix Mendelssohn, String Quartet No. 1 in E Flat Major
“In the Andante movement of his String Quartet No. 1 in E Flat Major, Mendelssohn capitalizes on the emotional depth of each of the players in an almost pleading call and response between the first violinist and the rest of the quartet. I have always adored chamber music, and getting to explore this work during a summer camp my sophomore year made me all the more grateful for how music is constantly connecting people.”
Christopher Tin, Baba Yetu
“There is so much power in exploring different cultures through song. In Baba Yetu, I find not only incredible joy, but also a sense of freedom and passion that is hard to forget.”
About Catherine
18-year-old Catherine Hartrim-Lowe is currently a homeschooled senior. She began playing piano at the age of five, singing in choirs at the age of seven, and playing cello at the age of nine. Currently, she serves as a principal cellist and soloist of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony and their string ensemble, MYSfits. With MYSfits, she has participated in masterclasses with members of the Kronos Quartet, Fear No Music, and A Far Cry.
Catherine sings with the Pacific Youth Choir, where she has had opportunities to perform and solo with the Oregon Symphony, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Capella Romana, Chanticleer, and Thomas Lauderdale. In the summer of 2022, she worked with Dr. Anton Armstrong and Kathy Romey at the Oregon Bach Festival. In her free time, Catherine enjoys long walks, knitting, outings with siblings, and spending time with the alpacas, goats, and cows on her family’s hobby farm.
Click here to hear Catherine’s episode of On Deck with Young Musicians from June 19th, 2021.