Melita Hunsinger joined the Phoenix Symphony as principal cellist in 2015. Previously Melita served as principal cellist of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and the Richmond Symphony Orchestra in Indiana.

A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Melita graduated summa cum laude from St. Olaf College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. She received her Master of Music degree from Rice University. Melita is indebted to her teachers, including Louis Potter, Jr., Norman Fischer, Paul Katz, and Chris French.

From 2002 to 2009 Melita held the position of principal cellist of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and, as a member of that orchestra’s resident string quartet, she performed over seventy-five chamber recitals throughout the state. She also appeared as soloist with the orchestra on two occasions, performing concertos by Saint-Saëns and Brahms.

While residing in Fort Wayne Melita performed regularly with the Grand Rapids Symphony, the South Bend Symphony, and the Richmond (IN) Symphony as principal cellist. Melita appeared as soloist with the Richmond Symphony in 2014, performing Victor Herbert’s second cello concerto. After joining the Fort Wayne Philharmonic as principal cellist, Melita was heard regularly in chamber recitals as a member of the orchestra’s resident string quartet.

The Phoenix Symphony’s 2016-2017 season featured Melita as soloist performing Leonard Bernstein’s Three Meditations from Mass. In addition to performing with the Phoenix Symphony, Melita enjoys regularly collaborating with her colleagues in chamber recitals throughout the valley.

Melita and her husband Jeff have two young children, Paul and Clara.