Gianna Abondolo, Cellist

Gianna Abondolo, cellist, leads a dynamic career, performing regularly as soloist, chamber musician, improviser and composer. Top prize winner of the 1988 Young Musician’s Foundation Debut Competition, she gave her New York solo debut performance in 1991 at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall and subsequently following, won a position with the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra and played with them for four years. Currently she resides in Richmond, where she is on the faculties of UC Berkeley and Mills College. Recent performances have included solo appearances with the San Francisco and Contra Costa Chamber Orchestras and in recital on the Old First Concerts Series, Hertz Hall Concert Series at UC Berkeley, San Francisco Contemporary Players, Noe Valley Ministry and the Gold Coast Chamber Players. A Master’s graduate of the Juilliard School, she has also participated extensively in various festivals around the country and abroad.

In addition to her performing and teaching schedule, Gianna enjoys composing, improvising, and collaborating with various artists in music, dance, and theater. Having studied as far a field as West Africa and Cuba, her compositional style blends ethnic influences with western classical tradition. Her works have been commissioned and performed by dance companies such as The Perks at the Cunningham Space in New York City and at Jacob’s Pillow; Interplay of Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara Dance Theater; and for the production, “Five Women Dancing” at the Luckman Theater at Cal State Los Angeles. Her cd, entitled “De’ja` Vu”, has been featured on bay area radio stations “Sing Out” KPFA, and KALW. Most recent performances as a featured composer have included the Old First Concerts series, the New Music Festival at Santa Clara University and at the Strings Showcase Concert Series in Berkeley.