Hometown:
Altadena, CA
Education:
University of Southern California, Master of Music, 2024
San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Bachelor of Music, 2021
Paulina Flores has performed with the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, Reno Philharmonic, Orvieto Musica Chamber Festival, and the Festival Napa Valley Orchestra. She is currently studying with Yura Lee at the University of Southern California. Paulina plays on a Douglas Cox viola awarded to her by the Virtu Foundation. This summer, she will play in the Spoleto Music Festival and National Repertory Orchestra.
What is something interesting that people may not know about you?
While on tour with the San Francisco Youth Symphony in 2019, I got heatstroke before our performance of Mahler’s Symphony No.1 at the Berlin Philharmonie. I spent the entire symphony trying not to pass out, I couldn’t even hear anything at a certain point. It was one of the scariest moments in my life, stay hydrated!
Name three of your favorite composers:
Gustav Mahler, Ludwig van Beethoven, Richard Strauss
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
I’ve recently gotten into indoor climbing, so that’s my current fixation! I also really enjoy reading and yoga.
What are you most looking forward to this summer with the NRO?
There are some bucket list pieces of mine on the calendar this season, so I’m very eager to learn and perform those. I’m excited to be in an environment that allows me to intensely focus on rehearsing and performing orchestral music.