Hamilton Cheifetz named Florestan Professor of Cello

Portland State University College of the Arts has named Hamilton Cheifetz the inaugural Florestan Professor of Cello.

Hamilton Cheifetz, professor emeritus of cello in the School of Music & Theater, is a founding member of the Florestan Trio, along with Carol Sindell and Harold Gray. Originally brought to PSU in 1977, the Florestan Trio served as Portland State's signature faculty trio in residence until Harold Gray retired in 2006, at which time Janet Guggenheim became the pianist of the trio. The members of the Florestan Trio have performed internationally for many years.

Hamilton Cheifetz began playing the cello at the age of seven, and his first solo concerts with orchestra were at the age of eleven. He went on to study with Janos Starker at Indiana University, where he formed a lifelong friendship with the renowned cellist. Cheifetz became the teaching assistant to Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi at the University of Western Ontario, performed a solo recital in the Sydney Opera House, and had the honor of playing at the White House for President Carter and members of Congress. He is the winner of the Piatigorsky Prize at Tanglewood.

The Florestan Professor of Cello was established through a gift from an anonymous donor in honor of the significant contributions of Hamilton Cheifetz to the arts at Portland State and the broader music community since the ensemble's founding in 1977.

In explaining the desire to establish this professorship, the donor said, "Hamilton Cheifetz has mentored generations of young students and introduced yet others to music and its history. Hamilton Cheifetz is also an extraordinary musician whose recordings span the cello/chamber music repertories and beyond into new music and music compositions. In addition to his virtuoso performing career, Cheifetz works to break down barriers to classical music through community outreach. He created Inside Chamber Music, a class where anyone can learn about chamber music and its history, as well as the String Ensemble Community Outreach (SECO) program, where student chamber music ensembles perform for communities who would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience live classical music, such as people who are incarcerated and those living in retirement communities. The Florestan Professor of Cello is a fitting way to acknowledge him."

"Through Hamilton Cheifetz's impressive artistry, leadership, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of musicians, he has made indelible contributions to the reputation and curriculum of the School of Music & Theater," said Dr. Leroy E. Bynum, Jr., Dean of the College of the Arts. "The Florestan Professor of Cello will allow Hamilton to continue sparking joy in the lives of others through performance and music education."

To make or discuss a gift supporting the String Program of the PSU School of Music and Theater, contact:

Kailin Mooney, Director of Development

503-890-5031 | [email protected]

Or, make a gift online at giving.psuf.org/string-scholarships.

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