Hometown:
Sudbury, Massachusetts
Education:
Boston University Bachelor of Music 2026 (expected)
Bio:
Nate Aistrup is a third-year cello student currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Performance from Boston University under Bill Rounds. Former professors and masterclass teachers include Mihail Jojatu, Jean-Michel Fonteneau, and Lawrence Stomberg, and he studied with members of the Arneis and Muir String Quartets at Tanglewood. Nate also loves to teach and works as a teaching assistant with the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras.
What inspired you to become a musician?
My parents are both professional classical musicians, so I've always been exposed to the whole scene of classical music. However, I was considering pursuing a different career in college until I had my first experience playing with a large, high-level orchestra; ever since then I've known that playing classical music has to be a big part of my life in one way or another.
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
If you're a cellist and don't include Bach, it just wouldn't feel right. I also equally love Mendelssohn, Debussy, Bartok, Messiaen and Caroline Shaw!
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
I am a triplet and both of my brothers are also playing with NRO this summer!
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
I love hanging out and talking with my friends in the practice room lounge between sessions.
Why did you choose the NRO?
I chose NRO because out of all the summer festivals that I could've gone to, this is one of the ones that plays the most concerts and gets through the most repertoire. Add to that the fact that someone so well-regarded as Michael Stern is music director, the beautiful location, and of course the fact that tuition is free, and it's the pretty obvious choice. I hope to fast-track my level of orchestral experience and my orchestral playing skills, meet lots of like-minded musicians and learn from great teachers this summer!