PHILIP HANSEN has performed to acclaim in a variety of musical settings. His specialties in both Baroque and contemporary musical settings speak to his unique artistic and analytic sensibilities as well his communicative power. Called "a delicious cellist" by Portland Baroque Orchestra's Monica Huggett and possessing "virtuosity and élan" (Pulitzer Prize-winner David del Tredici), the Los Angeles Times also praised him for his "admirable virtuosity." He has performed throughout Canada and the USA, including New York's Merkin Hall in a solo appearance, as well as in Europe and Asia, where he performed and taught at the Shanghai Conservatory by invitation of Macarthur "Genius" awardee, composer Bright Sheng.
A participant in the élite Piatigorsky Seminars, Philip performed in master classes by, among others, Yo-Yo Ma and William Pleeth. Currently Principal Cellist of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, his CD of Latin American cello music is due to be released shortly. Also a conductor, he led the Rose City Chamber Orchestra (USA) performing Baroque repertoire with top principal performers from the USA, France and the Netherlands. He conducts works ranging from Bach Cantatas to a unique chamber arrangement of The Rite of Spring, which was featured on tour in the USA.