Cassia Drake, Assistant Principal Viola
Anne Noonan & James Rathmann Chair
A native of Southwest Florida, Cassia Drake is a violist known for her compelling and expressive performances. As a soloist, she has appeared with orchestras including the Colburn Orchestra, Sarasota Festival Orchestra and Naples Philharmonic. In an effort to expand the viola repertoire, Cassia most recently premiered Fierce Urgency of the Now for viola and piano by Kelly-Marie Murphy. Cassia holds degrees from the Colburn Conservatory and Yale University, where she studied with Paul Coletti, Yura Lee, Ben Ullery and Ettore Causa. She performs on an 1872 Adolphus Mönnig viola, generously on loan from Bernard Friedland.
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The facts:
I am a native of Naples, Florida.
What are you most excited for as you begin your tenure with the Naples Philharmonic?
I’m extremely excited to join my hometown orchestra! While growing up in Naples, I participated in almost all of the Artis—Naples youth programs. I always looked forward to the Side-by-Side concerts, where the Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra performs alongside the Naples Philharmonic. I really look forward to joining the ensemble that I grew up admiring!
What is one fun fact about you?
I love dark chocolate. You’ll frequently find me in chocolate aisles throughout Naples.
What inspired you to become a musician?
My older sister started playing the violin at the age of 3. Being two years younger, I had to make sure there was some kind of competition. The youth programs here in Naples were another great source of inspiration—especially the Naples Philharmonic Youth Symphonia, where my love for chamber music began.
What’s challenging about playing your instrument?
The incessant viola jokes.
What are your favorite compositions?
Anything that features the viola!
What have you been listening to recently?
My playlists are typically filled with pieces I’m preparing for upcoming concerts. Between performing and practicing, my ears usually prefer silence over anything else!
Are there other musicians in your immediate family?
Yes, I grew up in a family with five kids, and we all played string instruments. We very conveniently created a viola quintet! Now, only my older sister and I play regularly. On special occasions, especially around the holiday season, we play some Pachelbel’s Canon for old times’ sake.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love hanging out with our family pets. We have a horse named Tootsie, a cat named Buddy and two dogs named Delilah and Romeo. Our newest addition includes an assortment of ducks and chickens!