Celebrity Travel: Go away with Ion Zanca of Dallas String Quartet

When Ion Zanca left his native Romania for the United States, he said he went through a huge culture shock. He wasn’t as fluent in English as he had believed he was. And then there was the casual clothes his classmates wore that he found very odd. “Back in Romania, my sister would bring me clothes from Rome, so I was used to a certain style and level of fashion,” said the founder, violist and composer for Dallas String Quartet (DSQ). “But when I went to Louisiana State University, the students would wear pajamas to class and I thought it was so strange. In my early classes, they would even bring pillows!” Now 42, the Dallas-based musician is enjoying the success of DSQ’s latest release “Love Always,” which debuted at No. 2 on two Billboard charts: Classical Albums and Classical Crossover Albums.

Q: Dallas String Quartet performed last year at Gwen Stefani’s wedding to Blake Shelton in Oklahoma. What was that experience like?

A: It was a beautiful moment for a couple of reasons. First of all, the location and setup of the venue was absolutely gorgeous. It was a small, intimate wedding and it was the perfect setup to have the music of a string quartet. We played hundreds of weddings before, but to be a part of the wedding of a couple of music legends was truly special. You feel like every note that you play is heard by people who truly know music.

Q: What are some things that stand out from your previous tours?

A: One time we played a show and each of the musicians were sharing a little bit about themselves. One of our musicians in DSQ mentioned they had a cat. Well, after the show, this man approaches us at the table where we were signing CDs and he shares with us how he also has a cat. But then he proceeds to give us a bag of his cats’ hair! I will never forget how stunned we were.

Q: Rock bands have incorporated classical music, but people don't always equate rock being performed by classical musicians. Did you ever think that way, too?

A: I did at the beginning when we were trying to create a style similar to a rock band. However, after a while, I realized that if people wanted to hear rock music, they would listen to rock music. With that realization came a sense of freedom, which allowed us to really step into our own unique style (since) no one was doing string covers of Top 40 songs when we started. It was quite a different experience for listeners to hear their favorite songs in this new format, even though the melodies were the same.

Q: Where have you visited for work that you went back to later for a vacation?

A: A few places, actually. West Palm Beach and Telluride stand out the most. Florida was beautiful and the food scene was incredible. It was also nice to go to the beach with my wife and son. Telluride was special because it felt like a small European town in the mountains.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: I love Vienna. I’d recommend just start walking down the street in the old city center and in two minutes you will run into the cafe where Freud used to sit and write, or pass by a building Mozart used to rent. (Vienna is) one of the most magical places in the world, in my opinion.

Q: What untapped destination should people know about?

A: Wyoming. It’s filled with stunning views and beautiful ranches where you can stay and connect with nature.

Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?

A: Back when I was living in Romania, I went to visit the Black Sea. I loved it, but I was also a bit scared because I got lost a few times.

Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you prefer a food truck or fine dining?

A: Fine dining. I like to take my time when I eat. Food should be shared with friends and you need a good atmosphere to make a night of it.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: Napa Valley and Orlando.

Q: What are your five favorite cities?

A: Vienna, Barcelona, Dallas, San Francisco and Bucharest.

Q: Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?

A: I love Boston. It has an old European feel.

Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?

A: Jerusalem.

Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?

A: I always must have my AirPods, GMT watch, a good jacket – it’s always so cold on the plane – my American Airlines card to get access to the airport lounges and a phone charger.

Q: What would be your dream trip?

A: Mount Athos in Greece.

Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you're on the road?

A: I have a guilty pleasure snack when I’m on tour or the road. If we’re ever stopping quickly at a gas station or I need a snack in my hotel room while I watch TV before heading to bed, I love to have Cheez-It. I don’t eat them when I’m at home in Dallas, but on the road they always hit the spot.

Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?

A: Unless I’m on tour with Dallas String Quartet, I typically travel with my family. I always look at the location of the hotel and whether it’s in a safe area.

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(Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times bestselling author and travel writer. You can respond to this column by visiting her website at www.jaehakim.com. You may also follow “Go Away With…” on Twitter at @GoAwayWithJae where Jae-Ha Kim welcomes your questions and comments.)