A few questions with ASO Concertmaster David Coucheron

The nation's youngest concertmaster will perform Sibelius this weekend

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At 27 years old, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's concertmaster David Coucheron is the youngest leader of a first violin section in the nation. When he's not cackling over his success or calling other concertmasters "gramps" (well, that's what we'd be doing anyway), he's accepting awards: Coucheron is the new recipient of the Mabel Dorn Reeder Honorary Chair, awarded for a period of five years to an ASO musician "who demonstrates excellence in artistry and leadership." Having just recently joined the ASO at the beginning of last season, the native Norwegian is still somewhat new to Atlanta. We caught up with the violinist to discuss his background, taking on Sibelius with the ASO this weekend, and how he's adjusting to life in his adopted city.

I've heard that the Sibelius Violin Voncerto is one of the most technically difficult pieces for a violinist to play. Could you explain to someone who doesn't play the violin why it's so challenging?
It's one of the major concertos ever written. It's very challenging both musically and technically. I'm not sure how to explain how it's challenging technically, but it's very hard. I've been practicing it for a long time. I started playing it when I was ten. And I've played it on and off ever since. It's one of my absolute favorite concertos. I'm looking forward to playing it.