Eric Graf

 

As the new cellist for the Lux String Quartet, Eric is thrilled to be a part of this energetic, talented group of musicians. In his performing life, Eric was until recently assistant principal cellist with the Wheeling Symphony, section player in the Lexington Philharmonic, and finished his fourth season as principal cellist of the Mansfield Symphony. As founding member of the Aceso Quartet, he traveled to Denmark for a chamber music residency at the Hvide Sande Masterclass. Eric will perform as soloist with the Long Prarie Chamber Orchestra in April 2018, and has performed as soloist with the Mansfield Symphony, Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra, and Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra. Eric loves solo, chamber, and orchestral playing equally, but has a soft spot for chamber music.

 

Having completed his long-term Suzuki teacher training with Dr. Melissa Kraut, Eric has a deep understanding of the Suzuki method as well as more traditional methods. An avid teacher of all levels, he until recently taught all around the Cleveland area and has plans to do the same here in greater Minneapolis-St. Paul.

 

Eric holds a Master’s degree in Cello Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with renowned Suzuki pedagogue Dr. Melissa Kraut. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cello Performance from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, having studied with Ms. Tanya Remenikova.

 

 

Eric grew up playing piano, alto saxophone, and cello. His childhood years playing alto saxophone in jazz band constantly remind him that classical music should be just as fun, free, and expressive.

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