The Musicians
Philip Pan (Violin)
Member of the JSO: Since 1984
Hometown: Latham, New York
Education: Bachelor of Music and Master of Music from Juilliard School of Music, Teachers: William Kroll, Dorothy DeLay, Felix Galimir.
What role does a Concertmaster play? “The Concertmaster is the primary artistic liaison between the conductor and the orchestra. He or she works with the other principal players and the section members to realize the conductor's artistic vision. He also takes a leading role in setting the standards and the tone of the work environment. You can also see him acting as an ambassador to the orchestra's guest artists, patrons and audience."
Musical study: Began piano at age six; violin at age eight.
Why the violin? “My parents love classical music and were good amateurs, (Dad - violin, Mom - piano and voice). There was always music playing in the house: radio, records and live. My older sister was a very good pianist, so I thought taking up the violin would please Dad and give me a chance to excel. My public school system had a very strong music program.”
Ensembles and teaching: Philip performs with Synergy and the St. Mark's Bach Ensemble, both of which he is a founding member, and he is a regular performer at both the Amelia Island and Madison Chamber Music Festivals. He has also served as a visiting lecturer in violin at the University of Florida. His latest project is Sound Effects, a new contemporary music series at MOCA Jax.
Youth Programs: Pan has collaborated with the City Ethics Officer in presentations to students regarding civil rights and the importance of moral and ethical standards. He is a popular featured speaker and performer at Youth Leadership Jacksonville events. He has performed throughout the Duval County school system as a member of Riverside Fine Arts' outreach program, Project Listen. His latest appearance was with the students of Pine Forest School of the Arts in their gala, Strings Across the Ages.
Solo appearances: Philip is often featured with the JSO. He has appeared as a soloist with the Boston Pops, the Albany and Schenectady Symphonies as well as the Bach Aria Festival in Stony Brook, N.Y. Philip can also be heard playing his electric Viper violin on the JSO's Plugged In and Pops series as well as at various clubs around town. Pan had the honor of playing with members of the Florida Ballet for the dedication ceremony of Frederick Hart's Ex Nihilo #8, a sculpture donated to the city of St. Augustine by Mardee Jenrette. He is a frequent guest soloist at the Amelia Plantation Chapel, has been a featured performer at Opera Atlanta with DJ Mike B and the first annual Unity Music Festival at Metropolitan Park, and guest with various Jacksonville bands and indie artists including Fusebox Funk, Rebecca Zapen, and Laurel Lee.
Recordings: Pan recorded with JJ Gray and Mofro on their latest CD Orange Blossoms and performed at the Blackwater Sol Revue in St. Augustine. He released an EP with Jacksonville progressive rock band The Architect Sound and is featured on the latest album by Laurel Lee and the Escapees, Showdown. He appears with artists of the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival on their 2003 CD in a live performance of Mendelssohn's Octet.
Home life: Philip is married to JSO Flutist Rhonda Cassano.
"Children": four spoiled-rotten cats.
Favorite thing about Jacksonville: “It’s a booming city that retains Southern hospitality and friendliness.”
Favorite composer: Mozart or J.S. Bach. “Mozart is perfection; Bach has infinite depth.”
Favorite getaway: Rocky Mountains
Hobbies: Off the stage, Philip enjoys sports and speed. He loves motorcycling, alpine skiing and building and driving custom cars. He has been a dedicated student of Tai-chi Chuan, the ancient Chinese art of the cultivation of personal energy. Inspired by the first Jacksonville Symphony River Classic 5k, he now also enjoys running.
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