Russell Burge is a renowned percussionist and educator in the world of classical music. Born in 1950 in Houston, Texas, Burge grew up in a musical family and began playing the drums at a young age. He attended the University of Houston, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in percussion performance. After completing his undergraduate studies, Burge went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at the University of North Texas. During this time, he studied with renowned percussionists such as Leigh Howard Stevens and Robert Schietroma. He also had the opportunity to perform with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. In 1975, Burge joined the percussion section of the Houston Symphony Orchestra, where he would remain for over 30 years. During his tenure with the orchestra, he performed on numerous recordings and toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe. He also served as the principal percussionist for the Houston Grand Opera and the Houston Ballet. In addition to his work with the Houston Symphony Orchestra, Burge has also been an active performer in the chamber music world. He has collaborated with many notable musicians, including violinist Itzhak Perlman and pianist André Watts. He has also been a member of the Houston Chamber Orchestra and the Texas Chamber Music Festival. Burge is also a highly respected educator. He has taught at the University of Houston, the University of North Texas, and the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston. He has also given masterclasses and clinics at universities and music schools throughout the United States and Europe. Throughout his career, Burge has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1991, he was awarded the Houston Symphony Orchestra's Jesse H. and Mary Gibbs Jones Principal Percussion Chair. He was also named the Moores School of Music's Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 2001. One of the highlights of Burge's career was his performance at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. He was selected to perform as part of the opening ceremonies, which were watched by millions of people around the world. He also performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Burge has also been involved in the commissioning and premiering of many new works for percussion. He has worked closely with composers such as John Corigliano, Michael Daugherty, and Joan Tower to bring their music to life. He has also premiered works by many up-and-coming composers, helping to expand the repertoire for percussion. In addition to his work as a performer and educator, Burge is also a dedicated advocate for the arts. He has served on the boards of many arts organizations, including the Houston Symphony Orchestra and the Texas Commission on the Arts. He has also been a strong supporter of music education, working to ensure that young people have access to quality music programs. Today, Burge continues to perform, teach, and advocate for the arts. He is widely regarded as one of the leading percussionists of his generation, and his contributions to the world of classical music have been immeasurable.

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