On Saturday, August 22, members of the Houston Symphony continue the livestream concert series Live from Jones Hall with an evening of two pieces by Mozart, as well as a double bass concerto by a composer described as “Brooklyn’s post-millennial Mozart,” Missy Mazzoli. Robin Kesselman, principal double bass, takes on the piece entitled Dark with … Continued
Community-Embedded Musician, David Connor, double bass, recently completed a virtual chamber music project with Houston-area students as part of the Symphony’s High School Residency program, presented by Occidental. Here, Dave reflects on the experience and shares some highlights from performances with students. Over the last two years, I’ve had the great opportunity to make monthly visits … Continued
At the end of May 2020, the Houston Symphony bids farewell to two retiring musicians: Michael McMurray, double bass and assistant librarian, and Wayne Brooks, principal viola. Mike and his fellow bassists and librarians share fond memories of the outstanding musician’s many years with the Houston Symphony—and what lies ahead for Mike now. In Mike’s words To me, music is … Continued
Robin Kesselman was appointed Principal Bass of the Houston Symphony by Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada in 2014. He has performed as guest principal bass with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Israel Philharmonic, traveled internationally with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Los Angeles Philharmonic, and appeared with the National, Atlanta, and Baltimore Symphonies. Robin frequently performs … Continued
In January 2019, Timothy Dilenschneider was appointed associate principal double bass of the Houston Symphony. Prior to joining this orchestra, Timothy was a member of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under the baton of music director Marin Alsop. He has also performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and The Florida Orchestra. His orchestral … Continued
Andrew Pedersen joined the Houston Symphony Double Bass section in August 2017. A native of Batavia, Illinois, Andrew received his bachelor’s degree from DePaul University and master’s degree from Rice University, where he studied with Robert Kassinger and former Houston Symphony Principal Bass Timothy Pitts, respectively. Other mentors include Paul Ellison, Alexander Hanna and Gregory … Continued
As Halloween approaches, Houstonians across the city are stocking up on candy and getting their costumes ready. Many Houston Symphony musicians get especially excited about this gleefully ghoulish holiday. We asked them about their favorite costumes, ghost stories and music for Halloween. Here’s what they had to say. Robin Kesselman, principal double bass Is there … Continued
Donald Howey, a member of the Houston Symphony since 1999, has performed with the Grand Teton Music Festival and the Sun Valley Summer Symphony and has been principal and soloist with the Houston Chamber Orchestra. He began playing the bass at age 15 in his hometown of Sudbury, Massachusetts. Howey completed his Master’s degree in … Continued
Meet Ima Hogg Competition Semi-finalist August Ramos! This talented musician is currently beginning his senior year of double bass studies at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music under the tutelage of Tim Pitts. We recently got a chance to ask Sam a few questions about himself and his musical life. Houston Symphony: Where did you grow up … Continued