Ben Fryxell is establishing himself as a consummate cellist, at home in the worlds of solo performance, chamber music, and orchestra. Since his teenage years, he has been a regular presence on the concert stage and a frequent winner of awards and competitions. He has performed as a soloist with the Kentucky Symphony, Blue Ash-Montgomery Symphony, the National Repertory Orchestra, … Read More
Celebrated for his classical sophistication, extraordinary musicianship, and exceptional virtuosity, cellist Alexei Romanenko is recognized as one of the most engaging and dynamic performers today. Born in Vladivostok, Russia, Romanenko began his cello training at just six years old and, by the age of twelve, had already earned First Prize at the Far-Eastern Competition. He furthered his studies at the … Read More
Cellist Laurie Davis Casseday hails from Atlanta, Georgia where she began studies at age 8 first in violin, then later in cello in the city’s public schools. She earned a Bachelor’s degree with Performers’ Certificate in Applied Music at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY and a Master’s degree in Cello Performance at Georgia State University in Atlanta before … Read More
What do you want patrons of the Symphony to know about you? I enjoy performing the many varied programs with the Jacksonville Symphony. Music can be so healing for people and I enjoy being part of the experience. My wife Elissa and I enjoy traveling. Do you have any pre-concert rituals or routines? I try and take it easy before … Read More
Vernon Humbert has served as section cellist with the Jacksonville Symphony since 1981. He is also a Registered Piano Technician. He has taught numerous private cello students; coached many ensembles over the years; and worked as a handbell, choral and orchestral conductor in area churches, youth orchestras and orchestral camps. In 2002, Humbert, along with two of his colleagues from … Read More
A Texas native, Brian Magnus earned both his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Cello Performance at Southern Methodist University under the tutelage of Christopher Adkins. Before joining the Jacksonville Symphony in 2016, Brian performed with the symphony orchestras of Austin, Waco, Las Colinas, Shreveport and Dallas. Brian is a passionate music teacher who has taught cello privately since 2005. He … Read More
