Christine Pastorek, violin, grew up in Louisville, KY as part of a musical family. Her musical heritage goes back many generations with a history of church and, later, vaudeville musicians. Both her parents were violists in the Lousiville Orchestra, while at the same time her uncle was music director and her aunt was principal cellist. She received her first violin at age 4 and began lessons soon afterwards with her mother as teacher. Ms. Pastorek graduated from the University of Louisville School of Music with a bachelor of music degree and then did post-graduate work at the Hochschule für Music in Berlin, Germany. Upon returning to the United States, she joined the Dallas Symphony for three years before coming to Houston in 1969. This year she celebrates her 38th season with the Houston Symphony. Her husband, Red Pastorek, is a member of the symphony’s bass section.

When did you decide to become a professional musician?
I decided to become a professional musician the summer after my junior year in hi school. I spent the last few weeks of the summer at the American Symphony Orchestral League conductor's workshop as a member of the orchestra. I played the opening bars of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony at least 20 times with each conducting student, yet somehow I still knew that was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

What is the best thing about being a musician?
I love being part of an art form that has enriched so many lives over hundreds of years. It is very gratifying to participate in the creative process as the orchestra performs masterworks of the past (as a few from the present). What an incredible feeling to sit on the stage and have that great symphony sound all around me!