Hometown:
Sudbury, Massachusetts
Education:
Boston University, Bachelor of Music (2026)
Bio:
Ian Aistrup is a Boston-based violist currently completing his Bachelor of Music at Boston University’s College of Fine Arts in the viola studio of Daniel Doña. In 2024, Ian was a member of the National Orchestral Institute and Festival in College Park, Maryland. In 2025 and 2026, Ian was an orchestral fellow with the National Repertory Orchestra in Breckenridge, Colorado. Ian greatly enjoys hiking and connecting with friends over some food.
What inspired you to become a musician?
My parents; they gave me a childhood filled with rich musical experiences that greatly contributed to making me who I am today!
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
Mahler Symphony no. 4! Playing it last summer was one of my favorite musical experiences ever.
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
My viola’s name is Whitney! Named after Mt. Whitney in California.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
I love to read and play video games!
Why did you choose the NRO?
Out of all summer festivals in the country, very few come close to the NRO in how professional it is. I wanted to spend my summer experiencing what it might be like to play in a professional orchestra, with challenging programs week after week. As an aspiring orchestral musician, I hold pre-professional experiences like this to the highest importance, so when it came time to choose where I wanted to spend this summer, my decision was easy!