Robin Bonnell joined New Century in 1999. He is principal cellist of Sacramento Philharmonic and Monterey Symphony; assistant principal cellist of Santa Rosa Symphony and Reno Philharmonic; and a member of Marin Symphony.

What is your hometown?

Berkeley, CA

How long have you performed with New Century?

I joined New Century in 1999.

What do you love about New Century?

I love that New Century is a conductorless ensemble, started by musicians, that is still going strong more than 30 years later.

What is your favorite New Century memory?

I don’t have a single favorite memory, there are many. From playing the Beatle’s Abbey Road and Donizetti’s Rita; to playing with soloists Menahem Pressler and Lynn Harrell; to collaboration with Chanticleer; to playing in Bach’s church in Dresden; and especially to working with the three music directors we’ve had since I joined, there are over two decades of fond memories!

How did you start learning your instrument, or who inspired you to begin?

When it was time to choose an instrument, I chose cello because I thought it was the biggest instrument, and my godfather played it.

What do you like to do when you're not being a musician? What are your hobbies?

I’m never not being a musician! After a rough go of the last five years, I have no hobbies. I hope to travel a bit in the future.

What's your favorite Bay Area place (restaurant, park, etc.)?

I have many favorite Bay Area places, but the places I visit the most are the UC Berkeley campus and Tilden Park, where I often take walks. I’m grateful to live close to them.