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Musicians of the Orchestra

George Curran

Trombone

The Daria L. and William C. Foster Chair

Biography
Curran

George Curran became the bass trombonist of the New York Philharmonic in June 2013 after serving in that role with the Orchestra during the 2012–13 season. Previously, he was a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for five years and a fellow with the New World Symphony. He has also performed with the major orchestras of Cincinnati, Detroit, Colorado, North Carolina, and Alabama.

In 2010 he performed with the Atlanta Trombone Project on a recording titled Roadwork. This project resulted in the formation of the Southeast Trombone Symposium, a week-long summer workshop at Columbus State University (CSU) where college students are coached by members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra trombone section. Mr. Curran was a soloist on a recently released recording titled A Beautiful Noise, which features prominent trombone soloists performing with the CSU Trombone Choir, including Philharmonic Principal Trombone Joseph Alessi. Mr. Curran has also performed concertos with the U.S. Army Band at the Eastern Trombone Workshop, Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, and many college ensembles.

A native of Farmington Hills, Michigan, George Curran received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. His principal teachers have included John Rojak and Peter Norton.

“I had prepared to be an engineer throughout high school, but when I got to college I could not see myself happy without music.”

Q&A with George Curran

THE FACTS: Born in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Bachelor’s in music education, Central Michigan University; master of music, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Prior to the Philharmonic: Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and fellow with the New World Symphony. At the Philharmonic: Joined June 2013. Current teaching posts: Rutgers University and Montclair State University. Most recent recording: Soloist on A Beautiful Noise, featuring the Columbus State University Trombone Choir.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN? I had prepared to be an engineer throughout high school, but when I got to college I could not see myself happy without music. I found my focus much later than others, finally committing to performance my senior year of college. I felt that being a musician had two great life qualities: you could be proud of what you do for others, and the work itself brings you joy.

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE TROMBONE? I played the euphonium (also known as the baritone horn) until switching to trombone when I was 22, which is really late to switch. I loved the nobility and power of the trombone section in an orchestra, but felt I had missed my chance. Finally, I knew that I would regret never trying my hand seriously at the trombone, so I applied to grad school after playing trombone for about a year. After many years of hard work, it seems like I made the right decision!

MOST INSPIRING COMPOSERS: I could listen to Mahler or Wagner all day, but Mozart had a way of writing for trombones that was purely sublime.

YOU HELPED FORM THE SOUTHEAST TROMBONE SYMPOSIUM, A SUMMER WORKSHOP AT COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSITY (CSU) WHERE COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE COACHED BY ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TROMBONISTS: Before we both joined the Philharmonic, trombonist Colin Williams and I were in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra together for several years. We had a relatively new section and used a CD project, Roadwork, to help solidify it. Roadwork was recorded at CSU and we started a week-long workshop there to teach and grow the trombone community in the Southeast.

WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? When not studying musical literature or something that parallels my studies, such as world or art history, I enjoy the creativity and diversion of sci-fi. It also taps into my interest in science and philosophy. Right now I am working my way through the many books of Frank Herbert’s classic Dune series.

As of November 2015
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