David Chickering — Cellist
Beginnings
"Chick" began his musical studies on the piano with Irene Eckler in the smallest city in New York State. Suzuki wasn't recognized as a motorcycle, much less a teaching method. The local high school teacher, Anson Nocera, made the rounds of talented families and recruited David, age 10, on the cello (natch...) and his brother on the double bass (Robert went on to become principal Double Bassist with the Minnesota orchestra).
After graduating with Honours from Northwestern University under the tutelage of Dudley Powers (former principal cellist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra), Chick began his career with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. After several seasons as principal cellist of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, he was appointed to the Chicago Symphony orchestra, playing under the direction of Sir Georg Solti.
International work
Not one to "let the cookies go stale", he set off for Latin America where he became principal cellist of the Orquesta Nacional de Costa Rica. But the bleating of sheep lured him to Auckland, New Zealand in 1991 to the Auckland Philharmonia. Since 1993, Chick has served as principal cellist of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
Acclaimed solo performances
His solo appearances playing Dvorak's Cello Concerto and Strauss's Don Quixote have met with critical acclaim. An active chamber musician, he has performed extensively in New Zealand and Japan with other NZSO principal players.
Respected teacher
He is a well respected and experienced teacher. He has taught at the Wisconsin Conservatory, Syracuse University, the Eastern Music Festival, the Orquesta Juvenil de Costa Rica and he is currently a lecturer in Cello at the Conservatorium of Music at Massey University in Wellington.
Favorite Music
- Bach
- Brahms
- Mahler
- Prokofiev
- Sting
Teachers and Influences
- Dudley Powers
- Theo Salzman
- Harvey Shapiro
- "Every Stand Partner I've ever had"
Teaching Credo
- "Breathe!"
Hobbies
- Juggling
- Rollerblading
- Golf
- Sinfonia Concertante