Biography

Samuel Pedersen joined the Houston Symphony viola section in 2022 under Maestro Orozco-Estrada and was appointed Assistant Principal in 2024 by Maestro Valčuha.

Pedersen was raised in Batavia, IL. He holds a master’s degree from Rice University and a bachelor’s degree from DePaul University. Principal teachers include Ivo van der Werff and Rami Solomonow, with additional instruction from Lawrence Neuman and Joan DerHovsepian.

As a student, he was a fellow of the New World Symphony and a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. He spent summers performing and studying at the Tanglewood Music Center and Madeline Island Chamber Music.

Pedersen is a regular collaborator with other Symphony colleagues for chamber music performances facilitated by Third Space Music.

Outside of Jones Hall, Pedersen enjoys cycling, frisbee, grilling, and spending time with his brother, Andrew, Houston Symphony’s Assistant Principal double bassist.