In demand as both a performer and a composer, Edgar Meyer has formed a role in the music world unlike any other. Hailed by the New Yorker as “the most remarkable virtuoso in the relatively unchronicled history of his instrument,” Meyer’s unparalleled technique and musicianship along withi his gift for composition have brought him to the fore. His artistry was recognized with a MacArthur Award in 2002.
As a solo classical bassist, Meyer can be heard on a concerto album with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Hugh Wolff, featuring Bottesini and Meyer concertos both alone and with Yo-Yo Ma and Joshua Bell. He has also recorded an album featuring three of Bach’s Unaccompanied Suites for Cello. Meyer was honored with his fifth Grammy Award in 2015 for best contemporary instrumental album for his “Bass & Mandolin” collaboration with Chris Thile.
As a composer, Meyer has carved out a distinct niche in the musical world. His music has been premiered and recorded by Emanuel Ax, Joshua Bell, Yo-Yo Ma, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Bela Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Hilary Hahn and the Emerson String Quartet, among others.
Collaborations are a central part of Meyer’s work. He has been and remains a member of groups whose members include Chris Thile, Bela Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Mark O’Connor, Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax, Joshua Bell, Mike Marshall and Amy Dorfman, among others. His debut album in 1985 featured the first public appearance of Strength in Numbers, whose members were Bush, Douglas, Fleck, O’Connor and Meyer.
Meyer began studying bass at age 5 under his father and continued to study with Stuart Sankey. In 1994, he received the Avery Fisher Career Grant and in 2000, he became the only bassist to receive the Avery Fisher Prize. Currently, he teaches bass in partnership with Hal Robinson at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.
Please note: Biographies are based on information provided to the CSO by the artists or their representatives. More current information may be available on websites of the artists or their management.
