ViolaNancy Lochner

Nancy Lochner has held the position of Associate Principal Viola with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra since 1988. She has also performed as Principal Viola in the San Diego Chamber Orchestra and the San Diego Opera. She has been a regular member of the Carmel Bach Festival since 1995. Nancy earned her Master’s degree in Music from the Juilliard School and her Bachelor’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music. She studied with Lillian Fuchs at both conservatories. 

In 1988 she was a member of the New World Symphony in Miami, Florida, coached by Michael Tilson Thomas. Her other orchestral experience includes work as Associate Principal Viola of The Juilliard Orchestra with conductors Zubin Mehta, Jorge Mester, Stanislaw Skrovacevski and Otto-Werner Mueller. 

Ms. Lochner has attended the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy, the Taos Orchestra Festival and the AIMS Opera Orchestra in Graz, Austria. 

Nancy Lochner performs on a viola made by Angela Stiles in Cremona, Italy. 

GETTING TO KNOW NANCY LOCHNER…

Q: What are three of your favorite tunes or pieces in your Ipod/mp3 or CD collection? 

A: Bach’s B minor Mass, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion and Haydn quartets

Q: How did you choose your instrument? 

A: My oldest sister played the viola and I wanted to be just like her! 

Q: What is your favorite travel destination? 

A: Hawaii

Q: What good book have you read most recently? 

A: The Charter House of Parma by Stendhal

Q: What is your choice for dining in San Diego? 

A: The Fish Market

Q: The non-musical accomplishment you are most proud of is…?

A: Learning how to cook