Hometown:
Spring, Texas
Education:
Brigham Young University Bachelor of Music 2024
Bio:
Gabe Christensen is a horn player from Spring, Texas. Gabe graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Music Education in December 2024. His primary teachers have been Brian Blanchard, Larry Lowe, and Spencer Park. Gabe attended the Aspen Music Festival for two summers, most recently as a fellow in the 2024 Aspen Conducting Academy Orchestra. Outside the orchestra, Gabe is an avid hiker who loves the outdoors.
What inspired you to become a musician?
As a young kid, I always loved listening to movie scores, which inspired me to start the horn in sixth grade. Ever since then, I’ve been in love with it and it just felt natural to continue playing music for my career!
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
Mahler Symphony No. 3 and Ein Heldenleben by Richard Strauss, because I feel that both pieces showcase the horn in a variety of different ways.
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
I’ve lived all across the country and the world, including Rhode Island, Colorado, India, New York, Texas, and Utah.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
I love to hike in the mountains near me, and enjoy the solitude of nature.
Why did you choose the NRO?
I look forward to the amount and variety of repertoire that I will be able to play with NRO. I think this will help me tremendously when I get a professional job in an orchestra, because I will already have experience with a broad spectrum of music. I also look forward to being inspired by the other incredible members of the orchestra.