Among the instruments featured in the Orchestra, the double bass is perhaps second only to the timpani in terms of heft. Which might lead you to think that is the reason Calgary Phil Assistant Principal Bass Jonathan Yeoh decided to take up powerlifting. For his part, though, he says his dedication to the gym is simply how he justifies another passionate pastime: dining.
But before all that comes music, and Jonathan’s dedication and skill has seen him perform with orchestras all over the world.
Born and raised in Calgary, Jonathan also serves as Assistant Principal Double Bass with the National Ballet of Canada Orchestra and is a previous fellow at the Music Academy of the West, winning the London Symphony Keston MAX Award in 2019. Between rehearsing, exercising, and eating, Jonathan took some time to answer these pressing questions…
Favourite composer?
This is such a tough question to answer! Probably Mahler, but Schubert is very much up there as well.
Favourite piece of music?
Probably Mahler 9, or the Schubert Cello Quintet.
Favourite thing about Calgary?
I think Calgary has an incredible food scene; we really punch above our weight class in this regard!
Currently reading?
I’m finishing up Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina as my big reading project!
Currently watching?
I’m on the last season of Better Call Saul!
Favourite thing about springtime?
I love when the flowers are in bloom and walks around the city are so fragrant!
Evening or morning rehearsals?
Definitely morning rehearsals. It’s nice to have evenings free so I can spend time with my wife and cat!
Conventional Deadlift or Sumo Deadlift?
Whichever one you’re stronger with! For me, that happens to be sumo.
Dogs or Cats?
Cats. We have the best lil orange boy, Chico!
Team or solo sports?
I love the self vs self aspect of solo sports, but the social aspect of team sports.
Iced tea or hot tea?
Hot tea for cozy vibes!
Beach vacation or mountain retreat?
I love the ocean, so beach vacay!
Long walks or movie marathons?
Long walks.
Mashed potatoes or baked potatoes?
Baked potatoes! They’re the perfect vessel for sour cream and somehow even less work than mashed potatoes.
Sci-fi or Fantasy?
Fantasy, Lord of the Rings is one of the core tenets of my personality.
Comedy club or Karaoke bar?
Karaoke!
Eating in or dining out?
Dining out.
Plans or surprises?
I love a good plan!
Pandas or Grizzly Bear?
Grizzly bear.
Innovation or Tradition?
Innovation.
Loud or quiet?
There’s enough of loud in my life, so I’ll pick quiet!
Latest Posts:
- 21 Questions with Assistant Principal Bass Jonathan Yeoh
- Many Voices as One
- All About the Music of La Vida Loca: Latin Pop Hits!
- Getting in the game with the Calgary Hotel Association
- On Vision and Verdi
