Young violinist feeds off of experiences

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Violinist Robert Gupta, a 20-year-old member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, says life experiences are the key to his musical successes.

Gupta, whose age makes him the youngest member of the popular musical group, said that by embracing other areas of interest throughout his young life, he has been able to better immerse himself in his art, the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday.

"To be an artist, you have to know something outside your instrument," he told the Times in a recent interview. "You have to be a human."

To that end, Gupta has not only earned a pre-med biology collegiate degree, but embraced other areas of knowledge such as history and philosophy.

Gupta's parents told the Times that after their son earned his master's degree, they wanted him to pursue his doctorate but the young musician ultimately followed his love of music to Los Angeles.

Now Gupta's father, Vivek, says he would never dream of separating his son from the instrument he so clearly loves.

"My wife and I gave up," the elder Gupta said. "Whatever he decides will be fine. And without music, he would go crazy."