Eric Byers is a renowned cellist and classical music artist who has made a name for himself in the world of classical music. Born on December 31, 1977, in Santa Monica, California, Byers grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist. Byers started playing the cello at the age of seven and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Byers attended the Colburn School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, where he studied with Ronald Leonard, the former principal cellist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He later went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree. Byers continued his studies at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he earned his Master of Music degree. Throughout his career, Byers has performed with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with many renowned conductors, including Gustavo Dudamel, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and Michael Tilson Thomas. One of the highlights of Byers' career was his performance of the Elgar Cello Concerto with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 2009. The performance was conducted by Gustavo Dudamel and was widely praised by critics. Byers' interpretation of the piece was described as "deeply expressive" and "emotionally powerful." In addition to his work as a soloist, Byers is also a member of the Calder Quartet, a renowned string quartet based in Los Angeles. The quartet has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Byers has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2004, he was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, which is given to outstanding young musicians who show exceptional talent and promise. He was also a recipient of the prestigious Borletti-Buitoni Trust Fellowship in 2006, which provides financial support and career guidance to young musicians. In addition to his work as a performer, Byers is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught at the Colburn School of Performing Arts and the University of Southern California, and he currently serves on the faculty of the University of California, Santa Barbara. Byers is known for his passionate and expressive performances, as well as his dedication to promoting classical music to a wider audience. He has collaborated with a variety of artists from different genres, including indie rock band The National and singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens. In conclusion, Eric Byers is a highly accomplished cellist and classical music artist who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. His performances are known for their emotional depth and expressive power, and he has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Byers' dedication to promoting classical music to a wider audience and his commitment to teaching make him a valuable asset to the classical music community.

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