Philip Payton – violin

Violinist and violist Philip Payton is a member of the American Ballet Theatre Orchestra, American Modern Ensemble, American Symphony Orchestra, Furiant Trio, New York Pops, Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival, and Vital String Quartet. Previously, he was a concertmaster and the principal second violin for the New World Symphony and the principal viola for the Mostly Modern Festival.

 

Payton has soloed with the New World Symphony, the Mostly Modern Orchestra, and The Orchestra Now. An active freelancer, his performing or recording engagements have included Alarm Will Sound; the Colour of Music, Harlem Chamber Players, New Jersey Symphony, and Nu Deco Ensemble; and the Sarasota, Santa Fe Opera, and Orpheus Chamber orchestras. Payton has performed in several Broadway productions, including as concertmaster for Hello, Dolly! starring Bette Midler, and he’s performed or recorded with a wide variety of artists, including Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett, Pavarotti, and several others.

 

Philip Payton teaches chamber music, violin, and viola as a faculty member for The Juilliard School’s Pre-College and Music Advancement Program, and he’s a guest coach for the New World Symphony. He attended the University of Michigan and the Cleveland Institute of Music.