Noreen Silver has been described by Michael Tumelty in the Glasgow Herald as âan extraordinarily soulful playerâ who âdemonstrates an uncommon depth of feeling and imagination.â Since 1999 she has been an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maine, where she directs the Chamber Music program, teaches cello and Music Theory. Noreen also holds the position of Principal Cellist in the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, and has appeared as soloist with the orchestra on numerous occasions. She grew up in Glasgow, Scotland, studied at the Royal College of Music in London, and at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA. She was fortunate to pursue independent study with the great cellists Jacqueline du PrĂ© and Pierre Fournier. Along with her husband, pianist Phillip Silver, Noreen has performed much of the cello/piano repertoire in the USA, Europe, Israel and the UK. Much in demand as a teacher, Noreen has also served on the faculties of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Strathclyde University.
How many years have you played and how many locations have you performed in?
I have played cello for over sixty years, and have performed in many European countries, Israel and the United States.
What was your first concert experience with the BSO like?
My first experience playing with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra was in 2000, when I took part in the performance of Benjamin Brittenâs War Requiem conducted by Christopher Zimmerman. This was a thrilling program, enormously impactful, and memorable to this day!
What is your favorite piece you have ever performed?
My favorite piece to have performed with the BSO was Haydnâs Cello Concerto in C major, when I was invited to play the solo cello part in 2019.
What makes the BSO unique to you?
The BSO is unique in the way it treasures every single musician in the orchestra.Â