Supported by James Carpinter and James Christmas

Originally from Ashland, Oregon, Ian began playing the cello at the age of five.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree from the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University and a Master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music, where he served as a teaching assistant. He also holds an Artist Diploma from the Glenn Gould School. His primary mentors are Hans Jørgen-Jensen, Joseph Johnson, and Steven Doane.

Before joining the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra as Assistant Principal Cellist, Ian performed with many orchestras across North America, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Santa Fe Opera, and the Britt Festival Orchestra.

Ian spent three seasons as a cellist in the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, Florida under the baton of Michael Tilson Thomas and other distinguished artists. During his tenure, he collaborated on many rewarding musical educational initiatives, including serving as guest faculty for the Iberacademy in Medellin, Colombia.

Ian has performed extensively at some of North America’s most celebrated venues, including Carnegie Hall, Koerner Hall, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. As a chamber musician, Ian has recorded for broadcast with CBC Radio. He has also performed at many festivals, including the Sitka Musical Festival, Spoleto Festival USA, Toronto Summer Music Festival, the Piatigorsky International Cello Festival, and the New York String Orchestra Seminar.