The orchestra bids farewell to Robbie Hausmann after 43 years of service, and welcomes Ethan Blake and Simon Housner
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) has announced changes in personnel within its cello section, which includes two appointments and one retirement.
Ethan Blake has been appointed the BPO’s new assistant principal cello. Simon Housner will join as section cellist, replacing Robbie Hausmann, who will retire this summer after 43 years of service.
Blake holds a master of music from the Eastman School of Music and a bachelor of music from the University of Colorado Boulder. He has performed with the Rochester Philharmonic, Colorado Symphony, Alabama Symphony, and served as assistant principal cello of the Boulder Philharmonic.
Blake described his appointment as ‘a dream’ and said ’to join this amazing ensemble as a full-time member is an immense honour and privilege. I can’t wait to move to Buffalo and get started!’
Housner holds a master of music from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, with a bachelor of music and minor in philosophy from Oberlin College and Conservatory. He has performed with the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, and Symphony in C, and performed as principal cello with the Sarasota Music Festival Orchestra, Spoleto Festival USA, and the Shepherd School Symphony.
Retiring cellist Hausmann will be honoured in a concert on 23 July, where he will perform as soloist in Ernest Bloch’s Prayer.
’Robbie has been a treasured colleague and an anchor of our cello section for over four decades. His artistry and character have left an indelible mark on the BPO, and we will miss him greatly,’ the BPO’s music director JoAnn Falletta commented.
’As we prepare to turn the page, we’re excited to welcome Ethan and Simon, whose musicianship and expressive playing stood out during the audition process. I look forward to working with them as they add their talents to our orchestra.’
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