Christopher Costanza is a renowned cellist and chamber musician who has made a significant impact on the classical music scene. Born in 1971 in Washington, D.C., Costanza grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, so it was only natural that he would develop an interest in music at a young age. Costanza began playing the cello when he was just four years old, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already performing in local orchestras and chamber groups. He went on to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he received his Bachelor of Music degree. He then continued his studies at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he earned his Master of Music degree. Throughout his career, Costanza has performed with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras and chamber groups. He has been a member of the St. Lawrence String Quartet since 2003, and the group has performed at major venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Wigmore Hall in London. The quartet has also recorded numerous albums, including the Grammy-nominated "Yiddishbbuk" in 2002. In addition to his work with the St. Lawrence String Quartet, Costanza has also performed as a soloist with orchestras such as the Boston Pops, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the San Francisco Symphony. He has also collaborated with other musicians, including pianist Jeremy Denk and violinist Joshua Bell. Costanza has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1996, he won the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, which led to his debut recital at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. He was also a recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant in 2003, which is awarded to outstanding young musicians who show great potential for a major career in music. In addition to his performing career, Costanza is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught at the New England Conservatory of Music, Stanford University, and the University of Notre Dame. He is currently a professor of music at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Costanza is known for his passionate and expressive playing style, as well as his commitment to exploring new and innovative ways of presenting classical music to audiences. He has been praised for his ability to connect with audiences and make classical music accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. In recent years, Costanza has also become involved in various outreach programs, working to bring classical music to underserved communities and schools. He has collaborated with organizations such as the Sphinx Organization and the Music in the Mountains Festival to bring music education and performance opportunities to young people. Overall, Christopher Costanza is a highly respected and accomplished cellist and chamber musician who has made a significant impact on the classical music world. His dedication to his craft, his commitment to teaching and outreach, and his passion for exploring new ways of presenting classical music have made him a beloved figure in the music community.

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