We caught up with Incoming Principal Librarian Nicole Jordan for a quick Q&A ahead of her return to Philadelphia as she begins her new role as Principal Librarian with The Philadelphia Orchestra!
What are you most looking forward to about returning to Philadelphia?
Besides starting my dream job with The Philadelphia Orchestra, eating an authentic cheesesteak again. Some of the things that “pass” as a cheesesteak outside of the tri-state area are just sad.
Philadelphia restaurants are reopening. Where are you most looking forward to dining out?
The food scene has changed a lot since I’ve been gone, so I’m looking forward to trying new places. My favorites before I left—and that I am looking forward to indulging in again—are Sumo Sushi, Max Brenner for those cocoa-dusted fries, The Continental (those French onion soup dumplings are to die for!), and Miel (not a restaurant but their pastries are so good)! I feel myself picking up weight just thinking about all of these places!
What are you listening to right now?
I’m pretty eclectic in my tastes with my music. Right now, I’ve been pretty partial to my “Philly Audition Hype Playlist,” which is equal parts calming and empowering (i.e., Beyonce, Kehlani, Megan Thee Stallion, CL, 2NE1, Lizzo, Rosalía).
What is the most challenging aspect of being an orchestra librarian?
For me, I think the most challenging aspect of being an orchestra librarian is making sure that I am giving 100% to every role that I play within the orchestra. From my colleagues on the stage to my colleagues off/behind it, each group needs something very specific from me that differs from one another, and juggling all of those needs at once can be quite challenging. I find it fun, though!