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The Cuban-American cellist and recipient of the Sphinx Organization’s 2023 Medal of Excellence will join the school’s cello faculty starting autumn 2025.
The Manhattan School of Music (MSM) has announced the appointment of cellist Tommy Mesa to its strings faculty from the autumn 2025 semester. Mesa is an alum of the MSM, having received his Doctor of Musical Arts there in 2023.
’We are thrilled to welcome Tommy Mesa to the cello department at Manhattan School of Music,’ said JT Kane, dean of Instrumental Studies and Orchestral Performance.
’Tommy’s artistry and versatility as a cellist, combined with his innovative spirit and dedication to teaching, will bring tremendous energy and inspiration to MSM.
’His presence will undoubtedly enrich our students, and his innovative approach to performance and dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians make him a perfect fit for the MSM Community.’
’I’m honoured to join the MSM cello faculty and energised by the opportunity to build a studio among colleagues who I’ve admired for decades,’ said Mesa.
’There is nothing more gratifying than mentoring the next generation of young artists and giving them the tools they need to succeed as professionals.’
Mesa’s experience as an educator include conducting masterclasses at musical institutions such as U.C. Berkeley, Boston Conservatory, Northwestern University, and Manhattan School of Music itself. He has also held faculty positions at Sphinx Performance Academy, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, and St. Petersburg International Music Academy. His teaching philosophy emphasises artistry, authenticity, and connecting with audiences.
As a performer and recording artist, he has premiered and toured concertos by composers including Terence Blanchard, Michael Abels, and Jessie Montgomery’s cello concerto, which he recorded for Deutsche Grammophon in 2023.
His recording output includes a duo album with fellow MSM piano faculty member Michelle Cann featuring music by Black and Latinx composers, as well as his solo album, Division of Memory.
Solo appearances with orchestras across the US include with The Philadelphia Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. As an ensemble musician, Mesa has toured with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, is a frequent collaborator at Jupiter Chamber Players, and is the principal cellist of Sphinx Virtuosi.
Watch: Tommy Mesa performs Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1
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