Andre J. Gaskins enjoys a diverse career as conductor, soloist, and music educator. He currently serves as Director of Orchestral Activities and cello at the University of Oshkosh Wisconsin. Previous conducting positions include the Columbus Ballet Orchestra, the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus, the Columbus State University Philharmonic, the Richmond Symphony, the Earlham College Orchestra and the New World Youth Chamber Orchestra.
Maintaining an active schedule as a performing cellist, his recording of Martinu's 'Concertino' for the Summit Records label was nominated for the 2004 Grammy Awards, in the category of 'Best Performance by a small ensemble (with or without conductor)'. Solo appearances with orchestra have included performances with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, the Fort Smith Symphony, the Carmel Symphony Orchestra and the Butler Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Gaskins has appeared as solo cellist from historic venues as the Grand Philharmonic Hall in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation to the cities of Indianapolis, Richmond, Cincinnati, Ann Arbor, Okinawa (Japan) and Beijing (China).
Mr. Gaskins has been a faculty member of the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University, Eastern Illinois University, Earlham College and the Brevard Music Center.
Mr. Gaskins can be heard in the soundtrack for the PBS documentary, "For Gold and Glory" and as a featured soloist for the motion picture soundtrack, "Forgive Me Father." Highlights for the 2009-2010 season include a performance as guest soloist with the Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra and a return to the Columbus Ballet for three performances. Mr. Gaskins served as the principal cellist of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra from 2002 - 2009. While pursuing doctoral studies at Indiana University, he studied conducting with David Effron and composition with David Dzubay. He also served as the teaching assistant to world-renowned cellist, Janos Starker.
Check this page after the
Richmond Philharmonic Concerto Competition
for information about the winner who will perform
with the orchestra in May, 2010.
