Every day is opening night.

Nicholas Canellakis

It isn’t every day that a classical cellist captures the imagination of the music world, but that is exactly what Nicholas Canellakis has done.  Since winning his first concerto competition at the age of 11, Mr. Canellakis has appeared as soloist with numerous orchestras and has been the recipient of many honors, including First prize in the Musicatri International Competition in Italy and a top prize in the Johansen International Competition in Washington D.C.  He is a Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center artist, so his musical chops should come as no surprise.  What may come as a surprise is his other passion: film making.   He has produced and directed several music videos and fictional shorts, and hosts a comedy web series called “Conversations with Nick Canellakis.”  Now let’s get this mega talent renaissance man on the couch!

What do you consider to be your best asset?

Humor. I seem to able to make people laugh, unless everyone is actually laughing at me instead of with me in which case I'll have to rethink this.

What was your proudest moment?

Feeling proud is not a regular occurrence of mine, so it's hard to pinpoint a proudest moment. That being said I am proud to be doing what I've been working for my whole life, namely, playing music with great musicians for a living and having some amount of success with it.

What is your favorite food?

A great slice of New York City pizza. It's what I grew up with and is my comfort food.

What is your favorite condiment?

Dijon mustard, I suppose.

What is your current obsession?

Breaking Bad.

If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?

I should cut back on crystal meth….
Wait, I meant I should cut back on watching a show about a guy who cooks crystal meth.

What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?

I'd like to run a summer festival and a major concert series at some point.  And that's a serious answer, unlike the last one.

What is the one thing you waste too much money on?

Eating out.

What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?

Being online.

What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?

Not exercising enough.

What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents? 

Empathy.

What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?

Let me check with a therapist and I'll get back to you on this.

What in the world most thrills you?

Climbing the rocks of the Utah desert.

What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?

I hate celebrity idol worship. I hate that anyone cares about the sordid details of famous people's private lives. And I especially hate that there are celebrities who are only famous for being famous, and not for any particular skill or talent.

What was the single most embarrassing moment you've ever experienced on the job?

Once, I got severe food poisoning the day I was playing a concerto, but forced myself to go onstage anyway.  I had to run off in the middle of the first movement to violently vomit backstage, and ended up in the emergency room. At least it was only Vivaldi.

What is your favorite place in the world?

The Caribbean.

What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?

Someone that makes me feel a little crazy and irrational. It's a very healthy approach.

Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?

Dogs, but I didn't grow up with any pets.

What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?

I would have to meet my one great eternal love. Either that or a decent slice of pizza.

What is your personal motto?

Honesty is a more noble virtue than being overly nice.