I have owned my current instrument, a copy of a 1733 Domenico Montagnana by Luthier John Terry, for a little over ten years. In that time it has served me very well. It has been my voice on the stage and in recordings as a member of High Plains, The Madison Symphony, and the Willy Street Chamber Players. It has gone with me to Banff, Wyoming, New York, Boston, Rochester, New Mexico, Iowa, Missouri, Minneapolis, Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, and California among many other places. It has been seen on TV, and heard on the radio, in films and even apps. It has been played at hundreds of weddings, concerts and life events. Through all that it has been a reliable companion.

The instrument is the ultimate teacher, and after ten years of learning what this cello has had to teach me, I am ready to pass this instrument on to someone else and to have something better suited for this stage in my artistic life. In 2018 I won the assistant principal cello position with the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Seeing my efforts pay off was a dream come true and it continues to be one of the things I am most proud of. As the Assistant Principal Cellist of the Symphony and the Madison Opera, I have responsibilities that involve a much more soloistic type of playing. This is a responsibility I embrace wholeheartedly and I need an instrument that is well-suited for this role.

I have decided to ask one of the most highly regarded living makers, Michele Ashley, to make me an instrument. I have known Michele since 2001 when I was studying with David Soyer at Boston University. Mr. Soyer owned and performed on one of her cellos for many years and she would occasionally drop by during my early morning lessons to pick it up for an adjustment.

Michele has focused on making cellos for the past thirty-five years and her instruments are in the hands of orchestral musicians, chamber musicians and soloists across the world. The instrument she will be making for me is based on a 1754 instrument by J.B. Guadagnini, the ‘Girardy.’ This cello is owned by Carter Brey, the principal cellist with the New York Philharmonic. I was able to play on one of Michele’s copies back in 2007 and it left a big impression on me. Michele’s website can be found here.

Giovanni Battista Guadagnini, Milan, 1754, the 'Gerardy'

The initial fee for the deposit has been raised through this fundraiser and now I’m asking for donations to help me cover the balance of the final purchase. The goal I have set for this is $12,000. The bulk of the cost will be covered by me, partially through the sale of my Terry cello.

I am privileged to have had a career that I love, and without a cello, I cannot be a cellist. It is my tool, my teacher and a daily part of my inspiration. Cellos are unfortunately a rather expensive tool and it can be hard to make a purchase like this without help. Donating to this cause will mean so much to me and each donation, no matter the size, will be remembered. Thank you for considering my request and for offering your help.

Sincerely,

Mark