Biography
Cellist Nicholas Gold has been the winner of many diverse competitions and awards throughout the United States. The classical Voice of New England describes his playing as “…precise and assured, seeming impeccable… He’s clearly a musician to watch.” Some of the awards he has won include University of Massachusetts concerto competition, Huntsville Symphony young artists competition, Ruth Cole Weber Scholarship, and he was named the 2004 Brevard Music Center’s Outstanding Artist. While attending The University of Massachusetts, Nicholas was honored with the title “Dean’s Scholar.” The Dean created this specific scholarship in order for Nicholas to attend the University without any monetary stipulation. In addition, the Chancellor also awarded him with the much sought after “Talent Award.” Nicholas has also been a national finalist in the Music Teachers National Association and the American String Teacher’s Association’s solo string competitions.
Nicholas excels as a soloist, and has been heard from coast to coast. Recent engagements include recitals at Birmingham Museum of Art, Smith College, University of Massachusetts, Amherst College, New York City’s Hudson Gardens, New York City School for Strings, Lindberg Farm in Huntsville AL, Denver Colorado’s Convention Center, Stanford University in Palo Alto, and Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. The latest special performances Nicholas has played include the Schumann Cello Concerto with the University of Massachusetts Orchestra, solo collaborations with James Buswell and Ellen DePasquale with the Kent/Blossom Chamber Orchestra, and the Schubert Cello Quintet with the Lark String Quartet in Washington D.C. Upcoming solo performances are scheduled at Huntsville’s Merrimack Hall, solo recital in Nashville, and a solo appearance on Nahsville’s WPLN 90.3 radio show, “Live from Studio C.”
Nicholas has spent many of his summers at various festivals such as Kent/Blossom Music Center, Sewanee Summer Music Festival, Brevard Music Festival and Eastern Music Festival. He has also taught as teaching assistants at both Interlochen Center for the Arts and the New York School for Strings. Likewise, Nicholas has had the opportunity to play with many professional orchestras. He has played with the Cleveland Orchestra, Chicago City Lights Orchestra, Columbus GA Symphony, Alabama Symphony, Orchestra Kentucky, Plymouth Philharmonic, Springfield Symphony, The Shoals Symphony, Huntsville Symphony, Huntsville Opera Theater, and Opera South.
Nicholas has always surrounded himself with centers for music. However, he has also had many positive personal influences, and the opportunity to work with many outstanding cellists and conductors during his career. He has studied with Astrid Schween, Bernard Greenhouse, Carlton McCreery, Stephen Geber, and Richard Weiss among others. With orchestras, he has played under the direction of great conductors such as Keith Lockhart, David Effron, Victor Yampolsky, and Steven Smith.
As much as an active player, Nicholas has a passion for teaching. He has been on the faculty of the Springfield Community Music School and the Northampton Community Music Center. Nicholas has also taught cello and coached chamber music at Amherst College.
Nicholas resides in Nashville and works as a full time studio musician. He plays on a regular basis for the Nashville String Machine and is a substitute cellist for the Nashville Symphony, Orchestra Kentucky, and the Alabama Symphony. Nicholas plays on a fine instrument generously loaned to him from the Carlsen Cello Foundation.