What is your hometown?
Indianapolis, IN
How long have you been with the BPO?
Since March 2003.
What is your favorite part of being a member of the BPO?
My favorite part of being in the BPO is being able to do what I love everyday. It's amazing to sit in the middle of the orchestra and be surrounded by and contribute to such a huge sound. It's wonderful to bring beautiful music to life and see the appreciative response of our audience after a performance.
What is your favorite piece of music?
As a piccoloist, I love playing Shostakovich Symphonies. His use of the piccolo in his music is incredible, from beautiful sustained solos that use all the colors of the instrument to brilliant virtuosic high playing.
What other orchestras have you performed with?
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Evansville Philharmonic
What types of music do you like to listen to?
I enjoy listening to most types of music.
Do you play any other instruments?
Piano
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy cooking, baking, traveling, gardening, reading, and yoga.
What is your favorite movie?
Gone With the Wind.
What is your favorite TV show?
The Office, Project Runway, and the Food Network
What is your favorite restaurant?
I'm addicted to sweets so I would have to say Butterwood.
What do you like best about Buffalo?
The beautiful architecture and that it takes less than 20 minutes to get anywhere in Buffalo.
Biography
Natalie Debikey has been a member of the BPO since March 2003. She moved to Buffalo from Indianapolis where she substituted with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, a Master's degree from New England Conservatory, and a Performer Diploma from Indiana University. Her primary teachers include Bradley Garner, Jack Wllbaum, Paula Robison, and Thomas Robertello. She has participated in the Aspen Music Festival, National Orchestral Institute, and National Repertory Orchestra.Natalie is the recipient of many reputable awards and was the winner of the COFA Young Artist Competition, New England Conservatory Concerto Competition, and several National Flute Association Competitions. Natalie has appeared as soloist with orchestras in Indianapolis, Boston, and Buffalo and has been a featured soloist at the National Flute Association Convention.
