Violinist Bertram Hogan of Wilmette was walking his Shih Tzu, Herbie, across the Village Hall green on Aug. 31 when he chanced upon Pioneer Press, and spent time talking about the music he loves, some of his special skills, and more.
Q: Do you have a special skill you’re proud of?
A: I have two, and they’re both connected. I’m a classical violinist. I’ve played since I was 10 and living in Columbus, Ga. Back then, they still taught music in school, and a lady came to our school to play violin. I went home and said, “Dad, you’ve got to get me a violin!” I loved the sound and I made it my life, playing in orchestras. I also make violins, because once when my instrument got stolen, I decided I’d learn how to make them.
Q: Pie, cake, or ice cream; which would you pick for dessert?
A: Can I say chocolate? I’d probably put chocolate ice cream on a chocolate cream pie, and have the chocolate cake on the side. But I’m diabetic, so I’d only have a little taste of each!
Q: Do you have a cause or a charity you’d like people to be aware of?
A: I really love animals. I never had animals until I came to Wilmette. I wish people would be more aware of them. They’re our partners in this world, our companions, and they love and trust us, if we give them a chance. What also comes to mind are the elephants who we’re threatening with extinction just because of their ivory. We can’t keep doing that.
Q: Summer is almost over; what fall activities are you looking forward to?
A: I’m looking forward to peaches coming into harvest time. And I’m looking forward to Halloween and to Labor Day. We’re supposed to make a trip out to Argonne National Laboratory on Labor Day weekend. I’m excited about that.
Q: And, since you’re a violinist, this is a good question to end with; what is a favorite musical genre and a favorite composer?
A: I like classical music of course, and romantic music. I really like Bach’s Six Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin. Of the Bach Sonatas and Partitas, I’d say like the Sonata and Partita in G Minor the best. I also like Rachmaninoff’s piano concertos.
–Kathy Routliffe, Pioneer Press
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Twitter: @pioneer_kathy
Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Check out more online at ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut.