Max Salzinger ’25 is a four-year Senior from Carmel, Indiana. Salzinger has taken music courses every year and is currently enrolled in honors Senior music performance strings. Outside of music, Salzinger serves as co-captain of Boys Junior Varsity Soccer and the debate team. He is also co-head of three clubs on campus—Songs for Smiles, Repubs, and Hillel; he is also a proctor in Garland. Salzinger plans to minor in music once in college.
On Saturday, December 7, Salzinger performed the third movement of Antonín Dvorák’s Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104. with the Hotchkiss orchestra.
How did you discover your passion for music?
My family is very musical. My uncle is a professional violinist who performs with the Atlantis Symphony. My dad grew up playing violin, and he still does. He always loved to tell the story of him playing the Fight of the Bumblebee to me when I was a six-month old baby. Later, I started playing cello when I was six and have loved it ever since.
Who are some of your favorite musicians?
My favorite musician is Jacqueline du Pré because of her immense power and beauty through struggle. Despite battling multiple sclerosis, she conveyed profound emotion and intensity through her music, particularly in her performances of Elgar’s Cello Concerto. Her ability to channel her personal challenges into breathtaking artistry is a testament to her resilience and passion, making her performances deeply moving and inspirational. My favorite composer, Gustav Mahler, also inspires me with his profound emotional depth and expansive symphonies. I hope to perform some of his symphonies someday, such as the extraordinary Resurrection Symphony.
How has the school’s music program helped you as a musician to achieve your goals?
My cello teacher, Dr. Chungsun Kim, is extremely supportive. She travels over an hour each way to give lessons. She has pushed me to constantly improve. Of course, Mr. Fabio Witkowski, head of the visual and performing arts department, has made available some unparalleled resources and wonderful musical opportunities for me and the other serious Hotchkiss musicians.
What are some of the most meaningful experiences you have had with music?
One of the most impactful experiences I had was at the Interlochen Arts Summer Festival, the summer entering my Lower Mid year. I played as the principal cellist at the World Youth Symphony Orchestra, which is one of the top youth orchestras in the nation. I met many amazing, like-minded musician friends with whom I’m still in touch to this day.
Another experience that I treasure was my first Hotchkiss Philharmonic concert, when Mr. Witkowski brought in professional cellist Alexander Hülshoff, who played the Dvorák cello concerto. I had the opportunity to have a master class with him, and I also loved hearing a professional cellist play my favorite cello concerto.
