I first joined Local 802 in 1997, on the advice of a very established professional who told me, “If you want to work in this town, you have to be a member of the union!” I became vested in 2005 following work as a sub in several Broadway shows and working with such luminaries as Tony Bennett, Barry Harris and on The Late Show with David Letterman. I performed in many classical settings, too. Solo opportunities for performing, recording and teaching at a university came my way and I accepted them. I rejoined Local 802 when asked to sub on another show and I’m delighted to be back. My goal in NYC is to play as often and as beautifully as I can. I love this city and the musical culture it fosters. I’m involved in new music, solo performing and ensemble work. I released “CROSSINGS: New Music For Cello,” which was featured on WQXR’s new music program Q2 in 2015 and “Three Sonatas BWV 1027-1029 by J.S Bach,” based on an edition published by G. Schirmer, Inc. that I co-edited with my former teacher and longtime Local 802 member, the late Bernard Greenhouse. The Bach album was released in March and has been submitted for Grammy consideration. I have recently been named executive director of the new music collective Random Access Music, which presents the Queens New Music Festival each spring. My most recent union gig was in early August at the International Festival of the Voice for a production of Verdi’s Otello. My biggest musical challenges recently include recording the Lutoslawski cello concerto with the Moscow Symphony Orchestra and auditioning for the New York Philharmonic. I am a cellist.