Inspirations as a musician: Listening to great musicians perform, listening to great music and playing for great conductors.

Past professional experience: Prior to joining the CSO, I held the principal positions of the Canton and Akron Symphonies in Ohio, and was a member of The Canton Symphony String Quartet.

Highlights with the CSO: I have appeared as soloist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, as a featured section musician, with music director, Jesús López Cobos. I also premiered Frank Proto’s “Ghost in Machine” as soloist, with Cleo Laine, Paul Windfield and the CSO. I have performed on the CSO Chamber Player’s Concerts every year since the series inception in 1989.

Activities/organizations outside of the CSO: I sponsor a child in Liberia through the International Children's Network. I was a member of The Arion Consort in residence at The Cincinnati Art Museum.

Hobbies: Watercolor painting, reading, swimming, kayaking, and hiking.

Funniest concert memory: I remember a very funny incident at Riverbend. Richard Stoltzman, famous clarinetist, was soloing with the CSO. Just as he was about to play his very first note of the Copland clarinet concerto, a barge on the Ohio River blew its horn! Stoltzman, stopped, examined his clarinet, pretending the sound emanated from the instrument, before he resumed playing! He brought the house down!! It was a great moment!

Fun facts about Susan: I recorded my first CD with my son Adam in 2013, entitled ‘Swan Song’. I performed Max Bruch’s “Kol Nidre” at Plum Street Temple for Yom Kippur for the last 39 seasons during the High Holy Days. I am married to Steve Petersen, former proprietor of Petersen’s Restaurant. And I am a mother of three.