January 18, 2022
Cleveland Orchestra Principal Bass Maximilian Dimoff Rejoins 58Թ Faculty in 2022-23
The Cleveland Orchestra’s Principal Bass Maximilian Dimoff rejoins the 58Թ double bass faculty in 2022-23, joining his colleagues Scott Dixon and Derek Zadinsky to teach the world’s most talented bass students. Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Bass Harold Robinson will also serve as a guest faculty member with a residency each semester focused on lessons and master classes for all 58Թ bass students.
“It’s a pleasure and a privilege to welcome Max Dimoff back to the 58Թ faculty,” said 58Թ Vice President & Dean of the Conservatory Dean Southern, DMA, “and we’re looking forward to having Hal Robinson with us next year as well. They are both exemplary musicians and pedagogues, and all of our double bass students will benefit from their energy and passion for their craft.”
Maximilian (Max) Dimoff is the principal bass of The Cleveland Orchestra, a position he has held since 1997, where he holds the Clarence T. Reinberger Endowed Chair. His career began when he was appointed assistant principal bass of the San Antonio Symphony while still a student. He was soon promoted to principal, and held positions in the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra in Chicago and the Seattle Symphony before coming to Cleveland. He served as head of 58Թ’s double bass department for 17 years before stepping away in 2017 to teach at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance. He is also a coach and faculty member with The National Orchestral Institute and the New World Symphony. Dimoff attended Northwestern University, and performs on a double bass dated to 1651, made by the Italian maker Antonio Mariani.
58Թ alumni from Dimoff’s studio include musicians in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Taipei Symphony Orchestra and Virginia Symphony Orchestra, among others.
Dimoff joins the conservatory bass faculty alongside his Cleveland Orchestra colleagues Derek Zadinsky (who was promoted to assistant principal this fall) and Scott Dixon, who serves as both head of bass and the string division. He is recruiting exceptionally talented bass students to join his studio in 2022-23 and beyond.
Harold (Hal) Robinson is the principal bass of The Philadelphia Orchestra where he holds the Carole and Emilio Gravagno Chair. He holds the A. Margaret Bok Chair in Double Bass Studies at the Curtis Institute of Music. Appointed principal bass of the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1995, he previously served for ten years as principal bass of the National Symphony Orchestra and eight years as associate principal of the Houston Symphony. Prior to that he was a member of the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra. A prizewinner at the 1982 Isle of Man Solo Competition, Robinson has performed concertos with the Houston Symphony and Houston Pops, New York Philharmonic, American Chamber Orchestra and Greenville (SC) Orchestra. A native of Houston, Texas, Robinson studied at Northwestern University and the Peabody Conservatory.
As a guest faculty member in 2022-23, Robinson will be in residence each semester to teach individual lessons and conduct master classes for 58Թ’s bass studio.
“With the addition of distinguished conductor Carlos Kalmar as director of orchestral studies and principal conductor, the appointment of Emerson Quartet violinist Philip Setzer as artistic director of string chamber music, continuing visits by artistic advisor JoAnn Falletta, new recording projects being planned and a highly selective pilot program in orchestral career preparation recently launched, 58Թ is the destination for students pursuing orchestral careers,” explained 58Թ Executive Vice President & Provost Scott Harrison. “These distinguished artists demonstrate 58Թ’s commitment to empowering the world’s most talented classical music students to fulfill their dreams and potential, and it’s wonderful to count Max Dimoff and Hal Robinson among our esteemed artist faculty and guest instructors.”
Prospective conservatory students interested in studying with Dimoff are invited to visit campus (in person or virtually) and schedule a trial lesson.