Each month in the Orchestra’s Playbill, we feature one musician in a question-and-answer segment. Below is that feature in its entirety.
Nicole Jordan Principal Librarian
Where were you born? I was born in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania Hospital).
What piece of music could you hear over and over again? Either Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 or his Suite from The Gadfly.
What is your most treasured possession? This one is hard. If I had to pick one thing, I’d say my hands. Without them, it’s impossibl0065 to do my job!
What’s your favorite Philadelphia restaurant? This one is a four-way tie: The Continental, Shiroi Hana, Bud & Marilyn’s, and Alice (the Diavolo pizza: *chef’s kiss*).
If you could ask one composer one question what would it be? I would ask Stravinsky was it really necessary to have all these different versions of his works when he didn’t change that much in the later versions?
What piece of music never fails to move you? Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7.
When did you join the Orchestra? Officially in 2021, but I worked for the Orchestra as a library intern from 2008 to 2011.
Do you play any instruments? Not currently, but I did major in Viola Performance.
What’s your favorite type of food? I’m an equal opportunity food lover, but the one thing I can ALWAYS eat is a cheeseburger!
What books are on your nightstand? I’ve been an e-reader convert for over a decade. Currently I am toggling between A Crown of Swords from The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan and Children of Virtue and Vengeance from the Legacy of Orïsha series by Tomi Adeyemi.
Do you speak any other languages? I learned Spanish and Italian in school though I am very rusty at both; some conversational Turkish; and, for a time, I was teaching myself Korean.
Do you have any hobbies? I have an assortment of hobbies: knitting/crocheting, baking, mixology/craft cocktail making, video games, reading, collecting fountain pens, and collecting tea and teaware. I’ve also become a plant mom during the pandemic.
Do you follow any blogs? I usually follow blogs that are related to my hobbies.
Do you have a favorite movie?I have way too many movies I consider my favorite to be able to narrow this down. Some of my favorites include The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Fifth Element, Dream Girls, and the Rocky movies (though I can live without Rocky V).
Is there a piece of music that isn’t in the standard orchestral repertoire that should be? I have many, but right now I’ll say Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Violin Concerto should definitely be in the standard orchestral and performing repertoire. That piece, particularly the first movement, is absolutely beautiful!
What’s the last recording you purchased? I honestly don’t remember. I usually purchase things digitally, though.
What’s on your iPod? My taste in music is quite eclectic. You’ll find some heavy metal, R&B, hip-hop, oldies from the Motown era, pop (American, Latin, Korean, Turkish), Reggaeton, and of course classical.
When was the first time you heard The Philadelphia Orchestra? The first time I heard The Philadelphia Orchestra was in elementary school. I even remember what I wore!