For decades, violinist Paul Sonner has gotten up at 3 a.m. to practice his instrument for several hours before his day of teaching at Interlochen Arts Academy begins.
He practices for several hours each night after he gets home, too.
"That's how you get to be a teacher at Interlochen and the concertmaster of two orchestras," he says.
Sonner is retiring from his job as instructor of violin at Interlochen this month, a role he's held for over 20 years.
He plans to maintain his roles as concertmaster of the Traverse Symphony Orchestra and the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, but "just as long as I can be a leader and play my parts well."
Join Classical IPR all day on Wednesday, May 26 as we celebrate Paul Sonner and his retirement.
The day's broadcasts will include Sonner's performances with the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra and the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, as well as his chamber music recitals with Interlochen faculty colleagues and performances with Interlochen student orchestras.
We'll also include music he performed with his son, Andre Sonner.
Congratulations, Paul - and best of luck on the next chapter.
