Coach Spotlight: Learn More about Charlie Powers
Charlie Powers’ playing has been described by The Washington Post as “poised, elegant, supple of phrasing and mellow of tone.” He joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra cello section during the 2013-2014 season. He previously served as assistant principal of “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Chamber Orchestra in Washington, D.C., and performed regularly at the White House, the State Department, the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the Vice President’s residence.
Since making his solo debut at age 17, Charlie Powers has appeared with orchestras throughout the United States and abroad, including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the U.S. Marine Chamber Orchestra and the Kaohsiung City Symphony Orchestra in Taiwan. A proponent of new music, Powers has performed works for cello and orchestra by Aulis Sallinen and Jennifer Higdon.
Charlie Powers is a founding member of three critically acclaimed chamber ensembles: the Pittsburgh Cello Quartet, the Teiber String Trio, and The Phillips Camerata. He has collaborated with renowned artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Ricardo Morales and Peter Wiley. He received the Karl Zeise Memorial Cello Award at Tanglewood, where he served as principal cellist of the Tanglewood Music Center orchestra. Other festival appearances include Banff, Heifetz, Aria, Icicle Creek and the 2000 World Cello Congress.
Charlie Powers comes from a long line of music educators. He has taught cello for three decades and serves on the faculty of the City Music Center of Duquesne University.
We caught up with Mr. Powers to talk about his YC2 experience and what he’s looking forward to for next season!
How long have you been coaching chamber music? 6 years with YC2
Why is chamber music important to you? All the amazing repertoire, and how it develops all facets of musicianship
What is one of your favorite parts of chamber rehearsals or performances? I love when everyone in the group is focused on achieving the same goal!
What’s on your music stand right now? Mostly scales, arpeggios, and etudes. (YC2: Yes, that’s right, coaches work on these too!)
Do you have a piece of wisdom or advice to share with our YC2 family? The best bit of advice, Slow practice is fast practice.