9 Questions with Angela Pickett
Where did you grow up?
St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
What made you realize that music was your path?
Music has always been a big part of my life. I played violin/fiddle and piano as a child and through my teenage years, and I performed in many orchestras, chamber ensembles, summer festivals and folk festivals before I graduated high school. When it was time to apply for college I tried to resist music as a major, and I spent a year studying literature and languages. This brief departure from musical studies eventually led me right back to music school because I missed it so much! Then I was able to dive in fully - knowing for sure that music was my path. My switch from violin to viola happened soon thereafter, and upon finishing my Bachelor of Music and Music History at the Memorial University of Newfoundland I moved to NYC for my masters at Juilliard and DMA at MSM.
How would you describe the music that you perform with Sybarite5?
Unique, energetic, innovative, intimate, eclectic
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Too many to list. My teachers, my colleagues, my friends, my idols in all genres of music from folk/bluegrass to classical/jazz and rock/pop/hip-hop. But above all I credit my parents for creating and nurturing my formative musical environment.What makes your work with Sybarite5 unique?
The very nature of Syb5 is unique. We are in the unique position of needing to commission fresh repertoire for our instrumentation and our ensemble
A little birdie told us, (actually we stalked you on insta) that you are really into plant-based food creations. Has this been something that you’ve always need into, and what brought about this interest? Do you consider wine and spirits plant-based food creations?
Haha yes I’ve always been into food and wine! About three years ago, after watching the documentary “what the health” I decided to try a plant-based diet. I thought it would be the least I could do to protest the horrific practices of the meat and dairy industries. I didn’t know it would turn into an obsession with plant-based cooking, food pics, and travel scavenger hunts but it’s a super fun hobby for me and I’m really happy about the community I’ve found!
Is there anything you haven’t done with Sybarite5 that you want to do?
I’m Canadian and I would love if Sybarite5 could perform more concerts in Canada! Now that we’ve covered almost all 50 states I think Canada should be next!
What is your favorite thing about your new album Live From New York It’s Sybarite5? / Do you have a favorite track or moment on the new album?
Our new album is a reflection of our progress as an NYC-based chamber music ensemble. We’ve been nurturing our relationship with the cell theatre for ten years now, and it feels great to finally release an album that reflects the culmination of those efforts and the collaborative nature of our performances at home in NYC.
What’s the next thing for you?
Follow @thenewfoundyorker to find out 😉