Dariusz Skoraczewski appointed principal cellist of Baltimore Symphony
Dariusz Skoraczewski, whose lush tone, expressive style and solid technique have earned him admiration in a career that encompasses solo, chamber and orchestral music-making, has been named principal cellist of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
During the past season, he played several BSO concerts in the principal chair, as did a few other finalists for the post.
Skoraczewski has been assistant principal with the BSO since 2001, a year after he joined the ensemble. His appointment to the top post was made by music director Marin Alsop and an audition committee.
The Warsaw-born cellist completed his studies at the Peabody Conservatory. In addition to his BSO work over the past decade, he has been a member of the excellent Monument Piano Trio, formerly artists-in-residence at the retail/concert venue An Die Musik.
Last year, Skoraczewski’s solo recording, "Cello Populus," on the Analog Arts label showcased his impressive command of challenging works by the likes of ...
In a statement released Tuesday, Skoraczewski said: “It has been an honor to perform with this fantastic orchestra over the past 11 years. Baltimore has become a beloved home for my family and me and I could not be happier about continuing with the BSO in this new role.”
Skoraczewski succeeds Ilya Finkelshteyn, who left the BSO to become principal cellist of the Cincinnati Symphony in 2009.
PHOTO (by Christian Colberg) COURTESY OF BSO
Comments
Congratulations to Mr. Skoraczewski, but I'm curious. After Finkelshteyn left, Chang Woo Lee was always in the first chair and occasionally featured at performances. She seemed to be the front runner to 'move up', though I'm not familiar with these things. Was there an audition that she participated in (or not) and which was won by Mr. Skoraczewski? Or is she gone? I'm always curious about the inner workings of the orchestra.
As associate principal, she would normally return to the first chair for performances during a vacancy, except when candidates for the post were trying out. She's also the BSO's former principal. It would, I think, be unusual for someone to return to a previously held post. TIM
Posted by: flint350 | July 28, 2011 11:15 AM
Principal Cellist Skoraczewski masterfully performed in yesterday's (01/15) concert, conducted by the esteemed Itzhak Perlman, and I was enormously moved and thrilled during the cello solo. The Principal's playing was lushly moving and, indeed, I felt ennobled in the presence of two such glorious talents. I should say three, including the always wonderfully ebullient Jonathan Carney, but I was especially moved with Dariusz Skoraczewski's elegant performance.
Posted by: Linda Belosevic Linzer | January 16, 2012 11:21 AM