Ellen Sullivan
Cello
I began studying cello at age 8, then played in local and statewide orchestras throughout the years, including Greater Boston Youth Symphony in high school. I went on to study at New England Conservatory, the Boston Conservatory and the Longy School of Music in Boston for studies in cello performance. My teachers included Boston Symphony members and Boston Chamber Music Society mentors.
After 10 years or so freelancing around Boston and other parts of the country, I went back to graduate school to study social work. I've worked for many years as a social worker/therapist, but always kept my cello playing as an outlet and beloved hobby. I re-entered playing orchestral music when I joined the Melrose Symphony in Melrose MA, in 2004, and played principal there for six years.
In 2010 I helped start a community orchestra in Derby Line, VT (where we performed at the infamous Haskell Opera House on the Canadian/US border!), and after a move to Cape Cod, began playing original music at poetry readings and started a wedding music business. I have loved playing experimental music over years, including free-form jazz, performing with improvisational groups, and playing as part of theater productions using electronics and improv.
Playing in the Midcoast Symphony is a joy. I feel lucky to play with so many wonderful musicians with such talent and devotion to bringing classical music to the greater Midcoast area.
