Cellist Marcia Bookstein has been with the orchestra since 1977

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US cellist Marcia Bookstein has announced her departure from the San Diego Symphony Orchestra (SDSO), which she joined in 1977. She performed her last concert with the orchestra during its summer 2024 opening weekend.

On social media the orchestra said of her departure: ‘She has an incredible performance history and will greatly be missed on stage. Thank you Marcia for your musical talent over the years!’ 

Bookstein is an alumna of the University of California, Los Angeles, and received a bachelor of arts at California State University, Northridge. She went on to attend the University of Southern California where she took part in masterclasses with Gregor Piatagorsky. She also studied with Jacqueline du Pré in 1984. 

Before entering the SDSO, Bookstein was principal cello of the Jerusalem Symphony from 1975 to 1976. She also performs in the San Diego Opera and Silvergate Ensemble, as well as having taken part in several recordings throughout her career. She enjoys participating in an improvisation class in the city’s Old Town Improv Company, run by her daughter, and bringing music to school classrooms. 

The SDSO, headed by Venezuelan music director Rafael Payare, was founded in 1910. It comprises 82 full-time musicians and performs over 140 concerts a year, mostly at the Jacobs Music Center. 

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