Mark Brandfonbrener, Cello
Mark Brandfonbrener, cellist, a native Chicagoan, studied locally with renowned CSO principal Frank Miller, continued his education at the University of Michigan with Samuel Mayes, and received a Master’s degree at Juilliard as a student of Harvey Shapiro. Upon graduation he played with the New Jersey Symphony and later joined the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, where he was active in that orchestra’s chamber music series. He has been a frequent performer on the nationally broadcast Dame Myra Hess Recital Series. Mr. Brandfonbrener has performed at numerous summer festivals including Aspen, Sarasota, Montepulciano and Gstaad. He appears regularly with the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. In Chicago, he performs regularly with the contemporary ensemble Fulcrum Point, Bach Week Festival in Evanston, and is frequently heard with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He is currently a member of the orchestra of Lyric Opera of Chicago and of The Santa Fe Opera orchestra. He enjoys Yoga, bridge, travel, exploring interesting foods and wines, and continues to pursue golf even after many disappointments.
Mark's Interview:
Instrument?
Cello
What are you listening to?
Stephane Grappelli’s “Crazy Rhythm”
Describe your work.
I suppose I try to find the harmony between the interest I feel for the music and what is interesting to the audience as I play it.
Most important lesson you’ve learned?
Working very hard at practicing my craft so that when I play for an audience I don’t have to work so hard — then I can concentrate on the music, feeling it and realizing its beauty.
Recent dreams?
I really can’t remember any recent dreams — sorry!