Performer Biography

Brian Thornton

Brian Thornton, cello, is currently in his twentieth season with the Cleveland Orchestra. His cello studies began in a public school orchestra program in Chicago. After moving to Dallas, Mr. Thornton began studying with Lev Aronson at the age of 14. He continued studying with Mr. Aronson while at Southern Methodist University. Mr. Thornton then studied with Lynn Harrell at the University of Southern California, John Sharp at Northwestern University and Stephen Geber at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

He has been a featured soloist in Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago and Cleveland, in addition to soloing several times at the White House. Brian plays a Vuillaume cello that was made in Paris, France in 1856. Mr. Thornton lives in Cleveland Heights with his wife, Jennifer Woda, a mezzo-soprano, and their daughters, Maya and Madelyn.