David Garrett
David Garrett, a member of the cello section of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, joined the music faculty in Fall 2001. Previous orchestra positions include the Houston Symphony and the San Antonio Symphony, where Garrett was Assistant Principal Cellist. Previous teaching positions include Trinity University and The University of Texas at San Antonio. He appears frequently as recitalist, chamber musician, and soloist, including many performances for the L. A. Philharmonic’s chamber music series and Green Umbrella new music series. Writing in Strad Magazine, Henry Roth observed that Garrett "is a polished and experienced musician…excellent in all departments."
Garrett maintains a wide range of musical interests. He has recorded modern cello works for the Albany and Opus One labels, his doctoral dissertation includes publication of previously unknown baroque cello works, and he pursues the standard literature in solo and chamber music performances. Garrett also plays viola da gamba and leads the Collegium Musicum ensemble at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music. During summers he has performed and taught at the Edinburgh Festival, Texas Music Festival, Roundtop, Interlochen, and the Grand Tetons Music Festival.
Garrett’s university and pre-college students consistently excel in competitions and honors orchestras. In addition to leading students to new levels in their technique and musicianship, Garrett helps students develop a foundation from which they can continue to develop and grow through a lifetime of music making. Past students hold positions with the Chicago Symphony and the orchestra of the Houston Grand Opera. Recent CSULB students have performed with the whole range of L. A. area orchestras, including the L. A. Philharmonic, Pacific Symphony, Redlands Symphony, Dana Point Symphony, and others. Garrett also prepares his students for their future role as teachers. Recent students teach for the L. A. Philharmonic’s YOLA program, Irvine Valley College, the Pasadena Conservatory, California School for the Arts-San Gabriel, and other schools and institutions.
In addition to performing and teaching, Garrett maintains an active role in the community. He is an officer for the Los Angeles Violoncello Society, a member of the music committee at First United Methodist Church—Pasadena, publisher of Laszlo Varga’s cello ensemble works, and a frequent volunteer for the L. A. Philharmonic’s education and outreach programs.