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Skip vonKuske’s least favorite statement is, “You must be classically trained”, though he was indeed. During the first 10 years of playing the cello he was a member of The Esade String Quartet, recieving chamber music instruction,and private lessons from numerous Philadelphia Orchestra string players. Among his instructors were cellists William Stokking, Philadelphia Orchestra Principle and Lorne Munro, Principle, New York Philharmonic. As a member of The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra he traveled to and performed in Great Britain, China, and numerous South American countries.
He, and the Esade String Quartet were accepted to the Performing Arts School of Philadelphia in 1983, and Skip was awarded a full scholarship. During three years there, he performed as a member of The University of the Arts Symphony and Opera Orchestra. He was then offered significant scholarships to Southern Methodist University and Michigan State University opting for MSU over SMU. While at Michigan State, Skip performed with numerous regional orchestras including The Lansing, Midland, Jackson, and Battle Creek Symphonies. In addition, he played bass and guitar as well as cello in several original music projects. Skip’s club work led to an invitation to move to Los Angeles and tour the country as bass player and cellist in a progressive folk rock band and from 1990 to 1993 he performed music in 24 states.
Since moving to Oregon in 1994, Skip has gone from being the “new guy” to being, perhaps, the most sought after cellist in Portland. He has worked with The Portland Opera and the Oregon Symphony, recorded with Pink Martini, performed with Smokey Robinson, The Trans Siberian Orchestra, and a virtual whose who of Pacific Northwest Treasures.
In 2004, Skip released his first solo album,”Intuit” to critical acclaim, and has been busy ever since. In addition to Vagabond Opera, Skip has a weekly residence at The Edgefield Winery, which plays host to his Monday night “Diva Series”.Each week he pairs up with regional female singer/songwriter/band leaders to present their music in a “chamber pop” format. Never idle, Skip is constantly immersed in new and ongoing projects and expects big things in 2006.
