A native of New England, Susanna Gaunt received a bachelor of music degree in 1992 at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where her principal teachers were Richard Sebring, Norman Bolter and Richard Mackey. Her primary mentor and inspiration is former teacher Nedo Pandolfi.

Why did you choose your instrument?
I didn’t!! It was chosen for me. My band director wanted me to play horn and called my dad (at work) to get him to convince me to play horn rather than the flute or clarinet all the girls were choosing. When my dad suggests something, I never want to disappoint. So I started horn and had great fun from the start — except for carrying it back and forth to school!

What work are you most looking forward to performing this season, and why?
I have to say that I’m very much looking forward to playing Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 under the direction of our music director [in June]. I’ve played the piece since I was in high school, but I’m very interested in how it is perceived by him. Muti is a master of drawing clarity out of the music, and I’m excited for myself and the audience to have that experience.

Offstage I like to:
Hike, listen to wind in the trees and see non-urban beauty. I especially like doing this with my little family.

Favorite food or meal:
I love Thai food. I used to live in California, where there was an abundance of great Thai restaurants. I haven’t found really great Thai food here in Chicago yet, but I haven’t had much time to look for it, either. If anyone has a great suggestion, let me know!!

Favorite book and movie: Tuesdays With Morrie. What great life lessons both to read and to watch Morrie’s life story.

HOMETOWN: Originally from southern New England, but now I’m from Chicago …
YEAR JOINED THE CSO: 2006.
EDUCATION: New England Conservatory of Music.