An Interview with Joseph Anderer, horn

How long have you played with St. Luke's?

My first concert, way back in our first season (Fall of 1974), included the Beethoven Septet, which we played in December. In those days, we played at St. Luke's Church in Greenwich Village, and several of us taught our instruments to the kids in the church's grammar school.


What is your most memorable experience from working with St. Luke's?

This is a really tough one after over 30 years with St. Luke's, but I guess I'd have to say Donald Runnicles' first concert with us at Caramoor; in particular, the Mozart Jupiter Symphony. It was a very exciting first encounter, and the performance was electric!


Why is St. Luke's so special?

It's a great group of musicians and a great bunch of people. There's also a tremendous variety of backgrounds and experiences, and we've become a sort of melting pot, each person bringing something special to the mix. Most of us have been steeping in this brew for 20 years or more!

Also, our staff and our board are so supportive of our goals. There aren't too many organizations that allow so much guidance from the musicians, and these folks seek it out from us.


What piece(s) do you look forward to playing with St. Luke's?

There are many, but one of my favorites is the Beethoven Sextet for 2 horns and strings, because sometimes I play it with Stew Rose, sometimes with Bill Purvis, sometimes I play 1st horn, other times 2nd, and Beethoven’s youthful work always has a different feel. It's great fun with any combination of colleagues.


Who is your favorite composer?

What a question! If I had to give you just one name, which I won't, it would have to be “-----“. Seriously, I don't think anyone before or since has ever equaled Mozart's genius. I'm looking forward to his 250th.


Finish this sentence: "Something people may not know about me is..."

I also play the alphorn! Virginia (my wife) and I had a wonderful old Swiss man make a pair for us, and after that he made horns for several of our friends. Sadly, he died last year, but we got 7 of his horns together at the New York Brass Conference last year. What a glorious sound! The only thing missing was the mountain setting!

Joseph Anderer biography