The Philadelphia Orchestra Yannick Nézet-Séguin Music Director

Jennifer Montone Principal Horn

Each month in the Orchestra’s Playbill, we feature one musician in a question-and-answer segment. Below is that feature in its entirety.

Where were you born? I was born in Fairfax, VA.

What piece of music could you play over and over again? Hmm ... almost all of them! I love that about our job, that you get to revisit these amazing works, interspersed with learning an occasional new one. 

What’s your favorite Philadelphia restaurant? We just moved to Bella Vista, so we’re really enjoying all the Italian restaurants in South Philly, and being so close to the Italian Market. 

Tell us about your instrument. It’s a horn built by a Norwegian man, Daniel Rauch, who is married to a horn legend, former principal horn of the Oslo Philharmonic, Frøydis Ree Wekre.

If you could ask one composer one question what would it be? How on Earth did you write all that?!?! It’s amazing! 

What piece of music never fails to move you? Almost any and all Bach; the slow inner movements of Bruckner and Brahms; the second movement of Ravel’s G-major Piano Concerto; the last movement of Mahler’s Third Symphony, etc. … So many! 

When did you join the Orchestra? In September 2006.

Do you play any other instruments? Nope, not that you’d want to hear! 

What’s your favorite type of food? Probably sushi, or chocolate? 

Do you have any hobbies? My husband and I got into sailing a number of years ago, and right now I’m having a ball with my two little sons, who are 2 and 1/4, and 10 months, respectively. 

What’s the last recording you purchased? Whatever we played last week. I like to try and listen with fresh ears to new recordings that I don’t know, see if I can hear things differently.

When was the first time you heard The Philadelphia Orchestra? I came down from Juilliard when I was in college to visit a friend and to hear the Orchestra—it was such a memorable moment! Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. 

Other than Verizon Hall, where is your favorite place to perform? It’d be hard to beat the great halls in Europe: the Musikverein, Berlin’s Philharmonie, the Concertgebouw … I’m very much looking forward to our upcoming European tour! 

Read other "Musicians Behind the Scenes" Playbill features.