Michael D'Avanzo

Cellist Michael D'Avanzo joined the Phoenix Symphony in 1990. Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Michael was educated in New York City, earning his Bachelors at Mannes College and his Masters at the Julliard School. Some of the festivals he has performed with include a European tour of West Side Story and the Utah Festival Opera, where he served as principal cello. He met his wife Dian while commuting to Symphony rehearsals — an unexpected benefit of carpooling. As time allows outside of performing and being a parent, Mike is a history buff and avid Arizona wilderness enthusiast, as well as a student of the art of bow making and repair.