Today we’d like to introduce you to Seth Russell
Hi Seth, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My musical journey began at the age of four when I began taking cello lessons in Greenville. As I got older and began taking music classes at the Fine Arts Center in High School, I got more serious about playing the cello, and decided to pursue a degree in music. I auditioned and got into Eastman School of Music, and the journey went on from there. Fast forward three music degrees, several jobs, and many years later, I’m living back in my hometown. An unexpected blessing brought my wife and I back to Greenville — winning the job of Principal Cello of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra in 2021. Since my undergrad, I’ve lived in Rochester, NY, Boston, MA, Memphis, TN, Austin, TX, and Vacaville, CA. The lives of musicians are often somewhat nomadic, and it feels great to finally put personal and musical roots in my hometown of Greenville.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The life of a musician is full of challenges, and my path has been no exception. A particularly tough time for me was after I finished my Masters degree in Boston. I had been playing with a local orchestra and decided to stay in Boston after graduation to continue playing with that group and start freelancing. However, that orchestra suddenly folded over the summer, leaving me with no work at the beginning of the next season. It was a challenging time, feeling equipped with two music degrees from reputable schools, but struggling to find work as a cellist. Thankfully, as time passed I was able to work with friends to form a new quartet and a new orchestra, and new opportunities became available to me. Years later, I finished a Doctorate degree in Cello Performance, ready once again to pursue jobs in the music world, only to have the world press “pause” as COVID reared its head. The path forward is never a straight line.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I enjoy multifaceted work as a cellist. As Principal Cello of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, I serve as a leader and point person for the cello section. That job involves playing with the full orchestra, the chamber orchestra, small ensembles, and performing education programs in schools.
A few years ago I formed Parrish with my close friends Jamie Clark and Kenny Lee. We are a cello trio that plays music across many genres — from Medieval song to the rock band Muse. We hold guest residencies at music schools, where we work with students in classes and perform featured concerts.
I’m also an educator. I teach a private studio of cello students, and am also the Cello and Chamber Music Instructor at the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. Music is an aural heritage, and it’s an honor to be able to pass on what my teachers have given to me, and what their teachers gave to them.
Any big plans?
A new project for me is Greenville Chamber Players, a concert series I started with my wife Chelsea and several friends here in Greenville. We are focused on local musicians playing in small ensembles in local homes and venues. Visiting artists in Greenville are great, but we also have so much talent right here in our city! This series has been a fun challenge to figure out programming, venues, building an audience, etc. This means I’m wearing the hats right now of director, marketer, personnel manager, and performer. The plan is for Greenville Chamber Players to keep growing, with several concerts every year in a variety of venues, and a growing, diverse audience. We are working on new concert experiences and new, exciting programs coming soon. Right now we are preparing for our next concerts of string quartet music, March 14-15!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sethrussellcello.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cellogoodsir/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CelloGoodSir
- Other: https://www.greenvillechamberplayers.com
