Prior to joining the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1985, Loren Brown served as principal cellist of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for 10 years. While in Milwaukee, Brown was also principal cello of the Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra and performed in Pro Musica Nova, a new music ensemble, in addition to giving numerous recitals and concerto and chamber music performances.
Since joining the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Sir George Solti, Brown has performed extensively with such ensembles as Chicago Pro Musica, the Chicago Chamber Musicians and the Chicago Symphony Chamber Players. With these and other ensembles, he has concertized extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Australia, and he has participated in several chamber music tours in Japan. Also in Japan, Brown served on the faculty of the Affinis Arts Foundation summer festival.
He was a featured soloist with the CSO in a two-cello concerto by composer David Ott and also performed in the Chicago and New York premieres of Arvo Pärt’s Passio with the Hilliard Ensemble of London.
Brown’s early career began in Washington, D.C., where he spent four years as a member of the U.S. Navy String Quartet, performing for dignitaries at the White House and the Department of State. Also while in Washington, he was principal cellist of the National Gallery Orchestra and the Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra.
He and his wife, cellist Anne Monson, live in Oak Park with their daughter, Paloma.
