Ismar Gomes - Cello
Dr. Ismar Gomes is a chamber musician, recitalist, baroque cellist, and orchestral player. Recent performance highlights include recitals as a member of Duo Sorolla on distinguished concert series across the United States, as well as collaborations with members of the Pittsburgh Symphony, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Emerson, and the Johannes Quartets. A former member of the Virginia and Richmond Symphonies, he frequently performs with the Baltimore Symphony. As a baroque cellist, Dr. Gomes is a member of Mélomanie and is a regular guest with several early music ensembles. Recently having joined the Valencia Baryton Project, Dr. Gomes will embark on several national tours over the coming seasons and continue recording the Haydn Baryton Trios for Naxos.
Dr. Gomes has worked with many important composers including George Walker, Aaron Jay Kernis, Marc Neikrug, James Lee III, and David Lang and has additionally commissioned and championed works by many of today’s leading and emerging composers. As a recording artist Dr. Gomes has recorded with the Harlem Quartet and recently released two albums with Mélomanie, apart from other efforts showcasing the works of Larry Nelson, Mark Hagerty, and others.
Formerly Visiting Assistant Professor of Cello at Luther College, he currently serves on the Cello and Chamber Music Faculty at George Mason University and Gettysburg College, and has presented masterclasses at many institutions including Shenandoah Conservatory, Georgetown, Towson, and Duke Universities. Past faculty appointments include the Cleveland Institute of Music Summer Chamber Music Festival, StringFest at Merkin Hall, the Performing Arts Institute, CelloSpeak, and the Three Bridges Festival.
Dr. Gomes serves on the cello faculty of the Rushmore Music Festival where he is also a member of the Board. Ismar attended the Peabody Conservatory, studying with Alison Wells and Amit Peled. Previous teachers include Marc Johnson and Clive Greensmith of the Vermeer and Tokyo Quartets. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from Stony Brook University, under the tutelage of Colin Carr.