Meet the Musician: Marisol Kuborn
If you’ve ever watched the very back of the stage during a Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra concert, you know that the percussion section is a whirlwind of non-stop action. Leading the charge with absolute precision, athleticism, and joy is Principal percussionist Marisol Kuborn!
Living in Greenville (near Appleton) but originally born in Santiago, Chile, Marisol has been playing with the CWSO since March 2018. While she loves living in Wisconsin, she admits she still misses the majestic peaks of the Andes mountains.
We asked Marisol to talk about her 36-year journey with rhythm, her favorite symphonic masterpieces, and why being a percussionist requires real-life superhero strength.
Every musical journey has a spark, and for Marisol, it was a legendary rock-and-roll drummer.
“Everything started because I wanted to play drum-set like Phil Collins of Genesis,”. “After starting with private lessons, I discovered the world of percussion and never looked back, some 36 years ago.”
That discovery opened up a universe of sound. As a percussionist, Marisol doesn’t just play one instrument, she plays dozens. From the snare drum, cymbals, and tambourine to melodic keyboard instruments like the xylophone and marimba, and even steel drums, she is a master of versatility.
Her favorite composers reflect that love for dramatic, rhythmically driven music. She counts Dmitri Shostakovich and Igor Stravinsky as her favorites, and is currently obsessed with Philip Glass’s mesmerizing opera Akhnaten and Shostakovich’s Symphonies 5, 7, 10, and 11.
When asked which superhero represents her instrument family, Marisol gave an answer so perfect, we think it belongs on a poster. Her choice? Wonder Woman.
“Just like her, you have to be disciplined, physically and mentally strong to be a percussionist,” Marisol explains. “You must have the ability to learn the many techniques to play all percussion instruments and accessories, just like the superpowers Wonder Woman displays as an athlete and strategist. In her civilian life, she is responsible, efficient, and a problem solver, all must-have traits in percussion! Plus, who doesn’t like some fancy cuff bracelets to accessorize? We percussionists love gadgets!”
When Marisol isn’t surrounding herself with drums and mallets, she finds peace on the water. She is an avid rower, enjoying sculling (rowing with two oars) on the Fox River in both double and single boats.
For Marisol, her hobby isn’t so different from her career: “It is magical, like a symphony on water!”
And to power up after a long row or a intense concert? Marisol goes straight for a refreshing scoop of lemon or orange sorbet. “I am a citrusy person! In Chile, we love lemons!”
We are so incredibly lucky to have Marisol’s energy, immense talent, and superhero discipline powering the back of our orchestra. Keep an eye out for our resident Wonder Woman at the next CWSO concert!