Bassist, composer, and educator Susan Cahill has been a member of the Colorado Symphony since 1997. A world-travelling musician, Susan has devoted herself to the continuing practice, study and composition of music for the double bass.
Ms. Cahill is the co-director of MAS Eclectic Concerts, a non-profit series dedicated to the fusion of classical chamber traditions with other forms of music, spoken word, and performance art.
A Chicago native, she’s a graduate of Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music where she studied with Bruce Bransby and Lawrence Hurst.
Having recorded with prestigious artists such as Scott Yoo, Ms. Cahill is pleased to announce her appearance with him on the all-new PBS series, Now Hear This, presented by Great Performances. Focusing strictly on classical music, it is the first show of its kind on prime-time American television in 50 years.
Susan has performed as soloist with orchestras and at festivals and conferences across the U.S. Her extensive experience has inspired music directors around the country to seek out her expertise and share her insights into the world of the double bass.
Travelling internationally, Ms. Cahill performs a multitude of diverse music styles including classical, folk, jazz and rock. Her primary focus, outside of her classical work, has been with two groups; Grande Orquesta Navarre, which she co-founded with Tom Hagerman from Devotchka. They perform tango, classical and original works (Click here to listen). Extasis is the second; an Argentinian tango group that has performed on three continents. Both accomplished groups can be heard on Colorado Public Radio.
Known for their American Roots music style, The Boulder Acoustic Society also had the benefit of Susan’s talents and creativity. In fact, this versatile multi-instrumentalist stepped out of her traditional role and recorded on cello for the group’s CD ‘8th Color’ alongside her percussionist husband, Scott Higgins, who was a member of the group for many years. You could often find the Boulder Acoustic Society on NPR performing one of Mr. Higgins’ original pieces (co-written by Kalin Yong), ‘Morning By The River.’ (Click here to listen)
When travelling, Susan often conducts master classes to aspiring young musicians, to help train and encourage the next generation of bassists.
An active clinician, Ms. Cahill has given presentations at the Bass2010 convention in Berlin and at multiple International Society of Double Bassists conventions. Being a part of the faculty of the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music, Susan is proud to inspire students to follow their passion while honing their skills. She has taught and performed at Festicamara Medellín, a festival promoting music instruction for the youth of Colombia.
