Gabe Finck
by Jacob Jahiel
Gabe Finck
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL HORN
“ Nature is a glorious school for the heart !” wrote Ludwig van Beethoven in an 1818 diary . Two centuries later , the sentiment is echoed by Baltimore Symphony Orchestra ( BSO ) Associate Horn Gabrielle “ Gabe ” Finck . Not only is she a nature lover herself — periodically exploring places like the Adirondack Mountains — but she also uses nature as a school in the literal sense of the word when homeschooling her four young children ages three , five , eight , and nine .
“ I ’ m always trying to bring the outdoor element in ,” Finck says . “ I really like taking them to a stream and letting them explore , just kind of free range . Give them the elements , and they ’ ll create a world .”
Speaking of creating worlds , Finck ’ s kids are unusually well-read for their age — or any age , for that matter . “ We do a lot of read-alouds of great classics , and so they know a lot about literature .” Recently , the family embarked on a deep dive into the mythology surrounding Wagner ’ s “ Ring ” cycle , followed by watching the Metropolitan Opera ’ s online streams , which altogether total around 15 hours for all four operas . “ So , they are super into Wagner right now .”
Since joining the BSO in 2008 , Finck has drawn inspiration from fellow Baltimoreans to serve as a steward for her community : feeding the homeless , helping to provide transportation , and refusing to turn a blind eye to people in need . “ I kind of consider myself a watchdog . I feel like I ’ ve learned so much through my neighbors , and people I see on the street . I wouldn ’ t have the courage to go up to somebody except that so many other people do — tons of people who are teaching others by example .”
If Finck ’ s outlook is any indication , it seems Beethoven may have been right about the correlation between nature and the heart after all .
MITRO HOOD
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