Joseph Conyers (’04) Appointed Principal Double Bass of The Philadelphia Orchestra

The award-winning Curtis alumnus, educator, and community leader becomes The Philadelphia Orchestra's first Black principal musician

Curtis congratulates Joseph Conyers (Double Bass ’04), who was announced as the principal bass of The Philadelphia Orchestra after serving as assistant principal bass since 2010. Hailed by the Grand Rapids Press as “a lyrical musician who plays with authenticity that transcends mere technique,” Mr. Conyers is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2019 Sphinx Organization’s Medal of Excellence, the C. Harman Kuhn Award, Musical American’s 30 Top Professionals, and a 2015 Young Alumni Award from Curtis.

Mr. Conyers currently serves on the faculties of Temple University and the Juilliard School and is the music director of Philadelphia’s famed All City Orchestra, which showcases the top orchestral of students in the School District of Philadelphia. He is also the founder and director of Project 440, an inspiring nonprofit designed to provide young musicians with the tools to help them use their passion for music to fuel their purpose in life.

Read about Mr. Conyer’s appointment in the Philadelphia Inquirer HERE and The Strad HERE

Visit Joseph Conyer’s official website HERE.

Watch the first video in Mr. Conyer’s popular series, “Play Me an Excerpt,” in which he announces that he will provide helpful critiques for any orchestral musician who sends him an excerpt of music.

Photos of Mr. Conyers courtesy of Chris Lee Photo.

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