Performances + Events
The Boston Symphony Orchestra announced on March 13 that NEC alumnus Caleb Quillen ’13 is the ensemble’s new principal double-bassist. Quillen will hold the Harold D. Hodgkinson chair and succeeds Edwin Barker, who will retire at the end of the current season having served for 48 years as the orchestra’s principal double-bassist.
“Caleb’s outstanding artistry will be invaluable to the BSO,” the orchestra’s music director, Andris Nelsons, said in a press release, which also announced that NEC Prep and College alumnus Samuel Andonian ’20 joined the orchestra’s violin section and NEC alumnus Michael Winter ’07 was promoted from third horn player to associate principal horn player.
In addition to his work in the orchestra, Quillen will join the Boston Symphony Chamber Players. He returns to Boston from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, was previously a member of the Kansas City Symphony, and has worked with such ensembles as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony Orchestra, and New York Philharmonic.
We spoke with Quillen about his past orchestra experience, his relationship with the BSO, and studying at NEC with Donald Palma and Lawrence Wolfe.
Q: How has your previous orchestra experience prepared you for this new position?
CQ: Playing in a professional orchestra requires a much faster learning curve than in school. There’s significantly less rehearsal time, so you have to develop strong listening skills, adapt quickly, and remain flexible in live performances. Instead of performing once a month, as is often the case in school, professional orchestras typically have multiple concerts per week. My time at NEC was particularly valuable in this regard — its chamber music program is exceptional, and at its core, an orchestra is a large chamber ensemble.
Q: What other experiences have helped prepare you for a principal role?
CQ: Mindfulness has been crucial in every aspect of my life, both on and off the stage. It helps me stay focused and manage the many distractions that come with a demanding schedule. I’ve also developed strong interpersonal skills, which are essential in a leadership position. Much of that comes from observing my parents and mentors, who have shown me the importance of communication, collaboration, and setting the right tone within an ensemble.
Q: What relationship did you have with the BSO as a student at NEC?
CQ: NEC has an incredible advantage in being so close to the BSO. Having a world-class orchestra just down the street meant I could hear them live every week, which was an invaluable part of my education. On top of that, many BSO musicians are also on the faculty at NEC, so their expertise and mentorship had a direct impact on my development.
Q: How did studying with Donald Palma and Lawrence Wolfe at NEC prepare you for your career?
CQ: Don Palma and Larry Wolfe are both masters of the instrument and of ensemble playing, yet they have distinct approaches to musicianship. Studying with both of them gave me a well-rounded perspective — two different viewpoints that shaped my playing in meaningful ways. Their insights helped me develop not just technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of how to fit into an ensemble and lead when needed.
