Joseph Petrasek, Associate Principal Percussion

Joseph Petrasek joined the Kansas City Symphony as Associate Principal Percussionist in August 2009. He can be heard on the Kansas City Symphony's latest recording, Britten's Orchestra, with Music Director Michael Stern conducting. Joseph is also a founding member of the percussion quartet, Percussion Group Kansas City. Prior to his appointment, he served as a percussion fellow in the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, Florida. Joseph has also performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Pacific Symphony. Originally from Southern California, Joseph earned his bachelors degree at UCLA studying under Mitchell Peters, former Timpanist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He went on to get a masters degree at Temple University, studying with Philadelphia Orchestra percussionists Alan Abel and Angela Zator-Nelson. Mr. Petrasek has had additional training at numerous summer festivals including the Tanglewood Music Center, National Repertory Orchestra, Roundtop Festival-Institute, Chautaqua Institute, and the Idyllwild Festival Orchestra. Joseph is a proud endorser of Zildjian cymbals.

Ten questions about me:

How did you choose your instrument?

As a child, I used to play on the coffee table with my mom's knitting needles. She thought drum lessons might be a better use of my time and I've kept it up ever since.

Other than your Kansas City Symphony concerts, where else can audiences catch you performing in town?

With Percussion Group Kansas City

What is your most memorable performance with the Kansas City Symphony?

At this point, it's a tie between last year's season finale with Prokofiev's 5th Symphony, and the concert with Copland's 3rd Symphony and Crumb's A Haunted Landscape.

What's your "top pick" for downtown dining, or for a post-concert drink or dessert?

I'd go to Michael Smith any day.

If you weren't a professional musician, what occupation would you choose?

Chef.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Winning a job where I do what I love.

What good book have you read recently?

Italo Calvino's Under the Jaguar Sun

What are three of your favorite movies?

Anything by Woody Allen

Who would play you in a movie?

Kevin Spacey

Which is your Kansas City Barbecue "joint" of choice?

Oklahoma Joe's BBQ