(Credit: Martin Cohen)

The San Francisco Orchestra has named Evan Kahn the Principal Cellist. Kahn will be the first new principal cellist in nearly five decades.

In a statement Kahn said, “SF Opera is one of the best companies in the world with a whole lot of legacy, coming off its 100th anniversary season. I’m so, so excited to be their first new principal cellist in 49 years, succeeding the great David Kadarauch.”

He added, “I was lucky enough to study entirely with tremendously supportive teachers. Jennifer Culp was one of those, always in the room with you, meeting you on your level. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor, and the three years I worked with her were so, so formative,” Kahn said. ⁠
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Kahn will start with the SF Opera for its fall season.

Over the years Kahn has held positions at the San Francisco Opera, New Century Chamber Orchestra, Opera San Jose, and the San Jose Chamber Orchestra. He has also performed with the Cleveland Orchestra, LA Opera, San Francisco Symphony, and as acting principal cellist with the Britt Music and Arts Festival.