Summer Music Festival

Mark

Q: Where do you get your musical inspiration?

A: My musical inspiration comes from a lot of different places such as nature, reading, interacting with other musicians, and life experiences.

Q: What made you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?

A: I was born into a family of musicians (mainly cellists) so I always say two things: I heard music before I was born and I didn't choose music - music chose me. I knew I wanted to be a professional cellist by the age of 4.

Q: What are some current projects you are working on?

A: A very significant project of mine right now is Bach for Humanity.

Bach for Humanity is an initiative to bring Bach's music to a wide cross-section of socioeconomic spheres through community outreach, educational performances, and performances in the concert hall in the greater Cleveland area. As the purpose of the arts is to enrich and elevate the human existence I aim to convey the humanity and the divine inspiration found in Bach's music to anyone with an open mind, ears, and heart. The need to bring people together has never been greater and it is the music of Bach that has inspired people for centuries with its spirituality and ideals of love and compassion that transcend above all else. Bach For Humanity is a three-year commitment to the greater Cleveland area performing the complete Bach cello suites, my arrangements of the violin sonatas and partitas for cello, and various works by the composer for cello ensemble.

Q: What drew you to the Colorado College Summer Music Festival?

A: I have heard many wonderful things about the festival for years and both know and admire much of the faculty..

Q: What are you most excited for this upcoming festival season?

A: I am excited to perform and teach at the festival for the first time!

Report an issue - Last updated: 01/25/2021