Country

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United States of America

Genre

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Chamber

 

Rhonda Rider is a renowned cellist and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born in 1959 in New York City, Rider grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a young age. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a classical pianist, so music was always a part of her life. Rider began playing the cello at the age of nine and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. She studied with several renowned cellists, including Leonard Rose and Bernard Greenhouse, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. After completing her studies, Rider began her professional career as a cellist, performing with several orchestras and chamber ensembles. She was a member of the Boston Musica Viva for over 20 years and has also performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, and the New York Philharmonic, among others. In addition to her work as a performer, Rider is also a dedicated educator. She has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Longy School of Music, the Boston Conservatory, and the New England Conservatory of Music. She is currently a professor of cello at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Throughout her career, Rider has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the world of classical music. In 1983, she was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians. She has also been a recipient of the Chamber Music America Residency Partnership Grant and the Massachusetts Cultural Council Artist Fellowship. One of Rider's most notable performances was her solo debut with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1991. She performed the world premiere of John Harbison's Cello Concerto, which was written specifically for her. The performance was widely praised, and Rider was hailed as a virtuoso cellist. Rider has also been a champion of contemporary music throughout her career. She has premiered numerous works by contemporary composers, including John Harbison, Elliott Carter, and Augusta Read Thomas. She has also recorded several albums of contemporary music, including a solo album of works by Elliott Carter. In addition to her work as a performer and educator, Rider is also a dedicated advocate for social justice and environmental causes. She has performed benefit concerts for organizations such as the Sierra Club and the American Civil Liberties Union and has been involved in several environmental initiatives. Overall, Rhonda Rider is a highly respected and accomplished cellist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Her virtuosic performances, dedication to contemporary music, and commitment to social justice and environmental causes have made her a beloved figure in the classical music community.

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