Christopher Neal (First Violin) joined the Houston Symphony in 2001. Prior to that he was a member of the Michigan Opera Theatre, North Carolina Symphony and Naples Philharmonic. He holds degrees from Loyola University New Orleans and the Cleveland Institute of Music. Chris has participated in festivals at Spoleto USA, Tanglewood and Norfolk and has performed as a soloist with several orchestras, including the Houston Symphony. As a chamber musician, he has performed in venues as varied as KUHF radio and Saez and Zouk, a midtown nightclub. Chris enjoys teaching, and has been on the faculty of the American Festival of the Arts in Houston. He is married to Mila Ivkovich Neal, a professional violinist who works with the Houston Grand Opera and Ballet, and has two children: Maja, 6 and Luka, 3.

How old were you when you started playing your instrument?
I was two and a half years old. My mother was my first teacher.

What do you like most about the Houston Symphony?
The experience of sheer sonic power when we play large works like Mahler and Strauss. The floor shakes. Rock.

What are your favorite hobbies?
Riding my motorcycle and scooter.

What is your favorite instrument, other than the one which you play?
Hands down, the Tuba, as played by David Kirk.