Alexandre DaCosta

Head of Strings and Professor of Violin at Edith Cowan University

YOA Orchestra of the Americas Violin Soloist

What were your first impressions of Kingston?

It was such an honour to be in my grandfather Frederic Da Costa’s birthplace — it felt very special.

What was your most memorable moment in Kingston?

My concert with YOA Orchestra of the Americas at Emancipation Park was pure magic! I will always remember that place.

What would you do if you were mayor of Kingston for a day?

I would certainly do everything I could to help secure financial means to develop music programmes. As the conductor of YOA said, music makes better people, and investing in the development of programmes, concert series and other cultural events is always a good social investment with lots of returns, not only financial.

What’s your beverage of choice?

I would have to say red wine!

Share the title of the last book you read.

I just read Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama.

What was the last bit of music you listened to that you enjoyed?

I’m a big fan of film music. All the soundtracks by composer John Williams are magnificent — think Star Wars, Harry Potter, and so on.

What cologne are you splashing?

Terre d’Hermès by Hermès.

Are there any further travel plans to strengthen ties with your Jamaican heritage?

Now that I’ve been in Kingston, I’d like to return to Jamaica to visit Spanish Town and Montego Bay, and the rest of the island, of course.

What classical masters have had the most influence on your career?

I was a pupil of Zakhar Bron, considered one of the best violin masters ever, himself a pupil of the legendary David Oistrakh. Also, conductors such as Frühbeck de Burgos, with whom I have worked many times, helped me become the artiste I am today.

If you weren’t a classical musician, what other profession could you find joy in?

I think that international business would be my thing: I love travelling, I speak four languages, and I understand the human condition that is so important when negotiating and forging successful business relations.

Who would be an unexpected choice to share a stage with you?

Well, I have my favourite pop singers: Luis Miguel, the Mexican singer, is one I like very much! A duet with him would be fun. I also played at Mariah Carey’s wedding — I love her voice so much. Playing with her would be awesome.

Share some places in your travel black book.

Perth, Australia; Vienna, Austria; Paris, France; Seville, Spain; Chichester, United Kingdom; Santa Barbara, United States; Kyoto, Japan; Shanghai, China; Prague, Czech Republic; and Cremona, Italy.

What was your last major splurge?

Hmm, buying clothes seems to be a disease for me. You would not believe how much money I burn on clothes! Diesel, Scotch & Soda and Dolce & Gabbana are my favourite brands, but I’m open to all designers as long as they’re inventive and colourful!

What is your philosophy?

Work hard, play hard.