When it comes to music, go explore

A native of Montreal, Martin Chalifour, 44, became principal concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1995. He studied at the Montreal Conservatory of Music (graduating when he was 18) and the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. He began his orchestral career in 1984 as associate concertmaster of the Atlanta Symphony, where he stayed for six years, then went to the Cleveland Orchestra. He is also a professor at USC’s Thornton School of Music. Chalifour lives in San Marino with his wife, Nancy, and their children, Stephanie and Eric.

How does he consume the culture around him? He offered Lynne Heffley this glimpse:

TiVO PICKS

“Family Guy,” “House” and “24” on Fox, “Invasion” on ABC.

ON THE iPOD

Aerosmith, Black Eyed Peas, Celine Dion, Jack Johnson, Seal, Red Hot Chili Peppers.

FOR THE COMMUTE

“The Frosty, Heidi & Frank Show” on 97.1 (KLSX-FM), 105.1 KMozart (KMZT-FM) or NPR’s “All Things Considered,” depending on the mood!

INTERNET FAVORITES

VH1.com, IMDB.com (Internet Movie Database).

BEDSTAND READING

“1421: The Year China Discovered America” by Gavin Menzies, “Sword of Truth” by Terry Goodkind, Runner’s World magazine.

IN THE NETFLIX QUEUE

“Good Night and Good Luck,” “The Island,” “Day of the Dead,” “Les Choristes.”

CULTURAL ADDICTION

Rock ‘n’ roll, French movies.

GUILTY PLEASURE

Junk food, “Smallville” on the WB.

FILTERING THE

POP-CULTURE BLITZ

Radio pumps the same songs over and over until you surrender and “believe” they should be in the Top 40. For variety, try Internet and satellite radio, explore music from smaller labels and other countries. Look for sound clips on Amazon or P2P (peer to peer) file-sharing sites to identify what you want to buy. And check out your favorite new artists in live performances or “on location” studio features (like at AOL music); chances are if they can’t sing live, the rest of their CD is not worth buying! With TV and movies, it’s a great idea to keep track of productions you love and find out who directs them. Most good directors can be trusted to deliver a consistent product. And one more thing, “Entertainment Tonight” and People magazine: Stop telling us who’s the best-looking and most glamorous! I can see better-looking people every day on the street!