Esther Back

A frequent performer praised for her “passion and expressiveness that is wholly accessible to modern ears yet entirely authentic, learned, and respectful of the sources” (D. Tenbrook), Dr. Esther Back is an acclaimed cellist known not only for her solo, orchestral, and chamber performances but also as an avid educator and outreach advocate. Back has collaborated in chamber music, concertos, and symphonies with renowned artists such as Lynn Harrell, Bernard Greenhouse, Robert Watson, and Alexander Treger.

A long-term pupil of world-renowned Baroque cellist and viol player Jaap ter Linden, Back began studying at Frankfurt University at the age of eleven and came to the US sometime later. She holds degrees in Bachelor of Music (CSU/Fullerton), Master of Music (University of Redlands) in Cello Performance, and Doctor of Musical Arts/Historical Performance Practices (Claremont Graduate University) degree in Baroque cello and viola da gamba. At present, Dr. Back is working toward a PhD/Musicology degree at CGU.

An enthusiastic teacher, Dr. Back serves as a faculty member at CSU/San Bernardino and has a large private studio; her students have won top awards at various music competitions, providing them with soloist opportunities with professional orchestras and invitations to regularly perform at prestigious venues. She also is the founder, artistic director, and conductor of the CSU/San Bernardino Cello Ensemble. Under her numerous years of direction, the former Orange County Cello Ensemble (OCCE)—which she founded—performed live on 88.9 KUCI frequently as well as at Walt Disney Hall and prestigious venues in France. She also produced the CD album, “Miracle of the Cellos.” Back is currently preparing a complete recording set of the six Bach unaccompanied cello suites for the Athene Label.

Esther Back began her professional orchestral career in 2007 and is a tenured cellist with the San Bernardino Symphony as well as a member of other noteworthy ensembles. You can read more about her at EstherBack.com.