InTune

Christopher Elchico joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra in March 2022, as second clarinetist after completing his education at the University of California, Los Angeles and Jacobs School of Music Indiana University. Clarinetist and saxophonist, Christopher performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Cincinnati Symphony, and the Kansas City Symphony before joining the BSO.

Recently, Elchico was granted tenure with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, an exciting and significant honor that means that he now holds a permanent position with the orchestra, allowing him to firmly cultivate relationships and make a lasting impact on the orchestra. In celebration of the announcement, we recently sat down with him for you to get to know him better.

InTune: Starting at the very beginning, what first set you on the path to becoming a musician?

Christopher Elchico: As a child, I was deeply inspired by my brother, who is six years older. He began to take piano lessons when I was three, so I begged my parents to enroll me too. When it came time to choose an instrument in sixth grade, like him, I chose the saxophone, which I played throughout high school. When I was thinking about college, I intended to go to nursing school, but my private teacher at the time pushed me to audition for music school. I ultimately attended UCLA, and later Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Interestingly enough, I hadn’t meant to pursue the clarinet. I had randomly asked to play a friend’s clarinet, after which he said I should take a lesson with his teacher, James Campbell, who then asked me to study with him. Having the opportunity to play Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms resonated in ways that I had not connected with on the saxophone. I knew at that moment that I wanted to become an orchestral clarinetist.

InTune: You’ve cited James Campbell and Burt Hara as significant teachers in your journey. How did they impact your growth and development as a clarinetist?

CE: James Campbell is the reason I pursued a career in clarinet. When he asked me to study with him, my life completely changed. He was extremely patient with my transition to clarinet, but pushed me so that I could catch up to my peers who had been playing for much longer. In 2015, I started to pursue an Artist Diploma at California State University Fullerton to study with Burt Hara, Associate Principal Clarinetist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. His ultimate goal was to get me to play music meaningfully, not just the right notes at the right time. He helped me in growing my mental fortitude and nurtured what he believed to be my strengths. I sincerely believe that his guidance is the reason I am now in the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

InTune: This has been a big year for new musicians with the orchestra. Tell us a little more about your time with the BSO so far. What are some highlights that stand out to you?

CE: This is my first position with an orchestra, and it has been the most fulfilling experience of my life. I never thought in a million years that I would have the opportunity to play in the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and I am so humbled and so grateful every time I step onto the stage at Symphony Hall. The standout moments so far are my first concert with the BSO playing Symphonie fantastique by Hector Berlioz, which I am excited to revisit during Tanglewood this summer, my first time performing in Carnegie Hall, and of course, our recent Japan tour.

InTune: Why do you think it is important to be a musician in today’s world? And, if a young or aspiring musician came to you for advice, what would you say to them?

CE: I believe it is even more important today as we continue to recuperate from the pandemic. Music has the ability to tell stories, to bring joy, to motivate, to take people away from their daily struggles. What I find most amazing about orchestral music is the ability to communicate this without words. This is why we play music: it is transformative. It is my honest hope that everyone leaves Symphony Hall changed for the better. Additionally, I am a proud first-generation Filipino-American gay man, and I hope the BSO continually strives to be an example of diversity in our programming, our personnel, and our culture. If a young aspiring musician came to me for advice, I would tell them to be confident in who they are, explore music so thoroughly that they do not have any regrets, and never lose sight of how music makes them feel so that they can give that to others.

InTune: The orchestra regularly presents many new commissioned works. What has it been like to prepare for and perform these works? How does it differ from playing something from the existing musical canon?

CE: I think it is wonderful that the BSO performs so many commissions. There are so many talented composers with unique perspectives that should be represented and celebrated. With that said, sometimes preparing for these pieces can be difficult since there is no point of reference. Luckily, we are able to work with composers to ask for clarification and guidance so that we can communicate the music more clearly to the audience.

InTune: What has it been like working with Andris Nelsons in your time so far with the BSO?

CE: I have enjoyed every moment of working with Andris. He is a wonderful person and loves to laugh, even at himself. It is obvious that not only is he passionate about the music but about all of us as people. There is a mutual love and respect for one another that allows us to truly collaborate, and when he conducts, we simply play better.

InTune: Beyond the BSO, what are some of your favorite things to do in your free time? Is there anything you’re looking forward to seeing or doing in the city?

CE: I have not had much time outside of the BSO, but I have been enjoying trying new restaurants. I grew up in Los Angeles, which is such a food city, so I am excited to find “go-to” spots in Boston. With that said, now that I have tenure there are several things that I would like to do, including visiting the various neighborhoods of Boston, as well as the museums and historical sites. As far as hobbies or leisurely activities, I enjoy cooking Filipino food and spending quality time with friends. I do find some time to play video games now and then.