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Anna Zoe Cohen-Helfman

Anna Zoe Cohen-Helfman

Orchestra Member

Instrument
Bass
Principal
Year Joined
1985
Most memorable performance with the ESO

One memory is of the fantastic audience reaction to our opera concert at Pick with Larry — the “greatest hits” concert. It was so well received. Another memorable concert took place two days before I gave birth to my son. Christopher Orth was performing a Beethoven piano concerto, and his adagio was so slow, I could hear people whispering, “That lady is going to have the baby on stage!”

Favorite ESO soloist

Larry Eckerling performing Rhapsody in Blue.

Why I like playing with the ESO

I like playing with the ESO mostly because of the wonderful repertoire. Making the ink on the page into music is a joy. The music Larry picks is so varied and rich.

Favorite composer or piece

Dvořák, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Beethoven, Mozart, Copland, romantic and classical. I enjoy playing Bach and Haydn as well. OK, I pretty much like it all.

When I’m not playing with the ESO, I’m…

I work in the art department at New Trier High School, and am the house manager for their performing arts department. I also play bass in the Northbrook Symphony. I sponsor a school Rotary service club. Starting in 1985, I have participated every summer in triathlons.

Something most people don’t know about me

I’m obsessed with redheads: Opie, Lucy, Bill Walton, Thomas Jefferson and so on.

Anna Zoe Cohen-Helfman's picture