Cellist Gabriel Cabezas is a true 21st century musician. A prolific and sought-after soloist and collaborator, he is as comfortable interpreting new works as he is with the pillar scores of the cello repertoire. He has appeared with the finest U.S. symphony orchestras, including those of Philadelphia, Chicago, Cleveland and New York, and has premiered dozens of new works by some of the most brilliant composers of his time.
He recently released “Lost Coast,” a dynamic album of original music composed by Gabriella Smith and inspired by her reflections on climate change, which she has seen devastate her home state of California. The album was named one of NPR Music’s “Favorite Albums of 2021” and a “Classical Album to Hear Right Now” by the New York Times.
He will premiere Lost Coast, reimagined by the composer as a work for solo cello and orchestra, with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel in May 2023.
Cabezas is a member of the acclaimed chamber sextet yMusic. Its virtuosic execution and unique configuration have attracted high-profile collaborators — from Paul Simon to Bill T. Jones to Ben Folds — and inspired an expanding repertoire of original works by prominent composers including Caroline Shaw, Missy Mazzoli, Nico Muhly and Andrew Norman.
He is a co-founder of Duende, a new music and contemporary dance collective that focuses on the interaction between musicians and dancers in the realization of new scores. Cabezas has recorded extensively as a studio musician, appearing on releases by Phoebe Bridgers, John Legend, Rufus Wainwright and Taylor Swift, among many others.
In 2016, Cabezas received the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, a career grant awarded to extraordinary classical Black and Latin musicians, who, early in their professional career, demonstrate artistic excellence, outstanding work ethic, a spirit of determination and ongoing commitment to leadership. He studied at the Curtis Institute of Music under Carter Brey.
2022
