Heifetz alum Andrew Gonzalez returns to Staunton with his ‘spalla in hand. Discover the fascinating sound of Bach’s “shoulder cello.”

Cello Suite No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007
I. Prélude
II. Allemande
III. Courante
IV. Sarabande
V. Menuett I
VI. Menuett II
VII. Gigue

Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012
I. Prélude
II. Allemande
III. Courante
IV. Sarabande
V. Gavotte I
VI. Gavotte II
VII. Gigue

Andrew Gonzalez, viola da spalla

HAILED BY THE STRAD MAGAZINE FOR HIS “WARM HEARTED PLAYING AND MELLOW TONE”, NEW YORK BASED VIOLIST ANDREW GONZALEZ LIVES A FULFILLING CAREER AS BOTH A SOLOIST AND CHAMBER MUSICIAN, PERFORMING IN PRESTIGIOUS VENUES THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES, ASIA, AND EUROPE.

As a sought after chamber musician, his playing has allowed him to collaborate with respected ensembles such as the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, the Sejong Soloists, as well as members of the Guarneri, Juilliard, Tokyo, Orion, Borromeo, and Vermeer quartets. Also an accomplished teacher, Andrew served as a fellow of Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect from 2016-2018 and teaches chamber music in the Heifetz Institute’s “Program for the Exceptionally Gifted”. In the fall of 2020, Andrew became the new violist of the Jasper String Quartet.

Passionate about historical performance, Andrew frequently performs on the baroque viola and the Violoncello da Spalla. He has performed in festivals and series such as the Washington Bach Consort, Valley of the Moon Music Festival, American Bach Soloists, the Boston Early Music Festival, and Helicon, among others. Andrew is also regular collaborator with the NYC based ensemble Twelfth Night. He is one of the few people in the world who plays the Violoncello da Spalla, a five stringed mini cello that is played on the shoulder. In 2023, Andrew gave the New York City premiere of all 6 cello suites on the Spalla at Barge Music.

Originally from Chesapeake, Virginia, Andrew attended the Governor’s School where he was introduced to chamber music and symphonic music. This led to his affiliation with the Hampton Roads Chamber Players, an ensemble that he has since performed with and given masterclasses, as well as a concerto appearance with the Virginia Symphony. An avid orchestra player, Andrew performs frequently with the New York Philharmonic, New York City Ballet, Orchestra of Saint Lukes, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra, New York Classical Players, and Novus NY.

A graduate of The Juilliard School, Andrew holds both a master’s and bachelor’s degree under the direction of renown violists and pedagogues Michael Tree, Heidi Castleman, Steve Tenenbom, and Hsin-Yun Huang. Andrew performs on a 1930 Frederick Haenel viola modeled after a Gaspar da Salo.