Hometown:
Sudbury, Massachusetts
Education:
Boston University, Bachelor of Music (2026)
Bio:
Nate Aistrup is a cellist currently completing the last year of his Bachelor’s Degree in Performance at Boston University, studying with Bill Rounds and Mihail Jojatu. He has performed in masterclasses held by Jean-Michel Fonteneau, Laura Metcalf, and Lawrence Stomberg. This is Nate’s second summer at NRO; he has also previously been selected for the National Orchestral Institute, LyricaFest, and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute.
What inspired you to become a musician?
Playing with a high-level orchestra for the first time in high school. We were playing Brahms’ 3rd and Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, and those pieces had me completely hooked!
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
It’s hard to choose, but two of my favorites are Bartok and Messiaen; Bartok’s music just feels totally organic and human to me, and Messiaen’s harmonies itch my brain in exactly the right way.
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
My cello case is a very distinct blue color, so I named it Bluebeard’s Castle after the Bartok opera! So my cello is Duke Bluebeard, and my bow is his wife Judith.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
I love reading, playing video games with friends, and hand-transcribing music.
Why did you choose the NRO?
I was an NRO fellow last summer, and it was an easy decision to audition again this year for so many reasons. For me, the most important reasons were: the fact that NRO studies more repertoire than any other pre-professional festival; the fact that Breckenridge is one of my favorite places on Earth; both the inspiring devotion to the music and the sense of humor that Maestro Stern brings to every rehearsal and concert; and the fact that I met some of my absolute best friends last summer at NRO. NRO gives the orchestral experience and training that fast-tracks musical development, as well as opportunities to connect with friends and potential future colleagues, both of which make it an amazing place to cultivate a career in music.