Hometown:
Seattle, Washington
Education:
Cleveland Institute of Music, BM 2024
Bio:
Martha Sprague began studying cello at the age of 8 in Beijing, China. Her music education later moved to Seattle, then to the Cleveland institute of Music where she graduated this spring from the studio of Sharon Robinson. Recently she held the Associate Principal position in the prestigious 2023 New York String Orchestra, which performed to two sold-out audiences in Carnegie Hall over Christmas. She has also received prizes from the Cleveland Cello Society and the Northwest Sinfonietta. In addition to playing for multiple regional orchestras
What inspired you to become a musician?
Recordings of cellist Daniil Shafran.
Who are your all-time favorite composers and/or pieces? Why?
Beethoven Symphony No. 5, it is famous for a reason!
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
My cello and bow were both made in Germany at the turn of the 1900s.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
Keep up my Duolingo streak!
Why did you choose the NRO?
The emphasis on community, along with the enormous amount of repertoire we are able to learn in a short time period.