S H I R L E Y E D I T H H U N T , c e l l o & v i o l a d a g a m b a
Los Angeles-based cellist Shirley Edith Hunt makes herself known as a masterful cross-genre interpreter and veritable Renaissance woman. She is dedicated to delivering vibrant, committed performances of old and new music alike, and is equally at home performing on modern and historical instruments.
As a baroque cellist and violist da gamba, Shirley’s recent engagements have included performances with Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra, Bach Collegium San Diego, Jealous Nightingale Baroque, Chicago’s Music of the Baroque, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
Shirley is an enthused performer and promoter of new music. She has worked with composers John Adams, Steve Reich, and Walter Zimmermann, and has performed alongside cellist Joan Jeanrenaud (formerly of the Kronos Quartet).
Shirley’s cello frequently finds its voice performing and recording with pop/rock bands, singer-songwriters, and experimental music collectives in Portland, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Shirley has appeared at the SXSW festival and in clubs and alternative concert venues across the United States.
In May 2008, Shirley received her Master of Music degree from the USC Thornton School of Music. Shirley completed her undergraduate degree at Northwestern University in 2006, and has received extensive training in chamber music, contemporary music, and baroque performance practice through programs at the Meadowmount School, the New England Conservatory, and the Longy School of Music. Her principal teachers have included Ronald Leonard, William Skeen, Phoebe Carrai, Mary Springfels, and Hans Jensen.
Shirley is currently on the teaching faculty of The Harmony Project, a non-profit organization that provides musical instruments, private lessons, group classes, and orchestral experience to underprivileged children in Los Angeles.
Shirley plays a 1997 (modern) cello by Dimo Tenev; a baroque cello made in 1706 by anonymous, Milan; and a 1993 six-string bass viol by John Pringle. Also in her arsenal: a Yamaha SVC-100 electric cello!
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Shirley feels a strong connection to the Pacific Northwest, where a dreamy rainscape and riot grrl sensibilities fuel her continued love for independent music, hot coffee, and DIY.
