Mr. Jan Simiz

The concert will be performed by festival-regular violinist David Ehrlich, violist Nancy Buck from ASU and Magdelena Martinic-Jercic and Jan Simiz of the Phoenix Symphony, with the jazz-combo, Russell Schmidt Trio, in the second half.

Jan Simiz, Assistant PrincipalMichael Center
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Jan Simiz
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Jan Simiz, assistant principal cello for The Phoenix Symphony, was born in Barcea, Romania, and his musical career on the cello began by chance.In Romania, most children are introduced to music at a very early age, usually in pre-school.Simiz began late, at age nine, and his only option at the time was the cello.Eventually, he became an award-winning cellist in his native land.

In 1980 Simiz arrived in Los Angeles and won the principal cellist position with Neal Stulberg and the Young Musicians' Foundation "Debut" Orchestra.He continued his studies at the University of Southern California, where he earned his master's degree in cello performance.Jan's teachers include Eleanore Schoenfeld, former head of the string department, and Gabor Rejto, an eminent cellist and teacher who also performed in the Alma Trio.Additionally, Simiz took master classes with Lynn Harrell, Zara Nelsova and Ronald Leonard.

Prior to joining The Phoenix Symphony in 1985, he played with the Sacramento Symphony Orchestra for one year.While at USC, he met and married Maria Lane, also a cellist, who teaches, and occasionally substitutes with The Phoenix Symphony.

In addition to classical music, Simiz enjoys jazz and some rock.He also appreciates fine art, especially the works of the Impressionists, and a variety of fine cuisine, particularly Chinese.When not performing with The Phoenix Symphony, Simiz plays with Nouveau West Chamber Orchestra and various trio, quartet and quintet groups.In his free time, he enjoys photography and playing soccer, because as he says, "everyone in Romania plays soccer."

Jan Simiz — CelloA native of Romania, Jan Simiz studied at the Ciprian Porumbescu Conservatory in Bucharest.He received his Masters degree in Music at the University of Southern California, where he studied with Eleanor Schoenfeld.Jan is assistant principal of the Phoenix Symphony, principal of the Phoenix Symphony Sinfonietta, and principal of the Music in the Mountains Festival in Durango, Colorado.He frequently performs in chamber music ensembles throughout the Valley, including the Papago ensemble.In 1999, Jan performed Haydn's Cello Concerto in C Major to great acclaim.
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During vacations Jan and Maria can be found travelling throughout Colorado and California, camera in hand.
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Her cats and husband Jan provide the perfect sanity antidote for long days spent with her teenage students.

In other musician news, current Assistant Principal Cellist Jan Simiz has won the one-year Associate Principal opening and will assume that position for the 2006-07 Season.Originally from Barcea, Romania, Mr. Simiz has been with The Phoenix Symphony since 1985.He has performed with the Sacramento Symphony and the Nouveau West Chamber Orchestra and holds a Master's degree from the University of Southern California.

Performances will include New York City opera singer, Krysty Swann and Adam Margulies, winner of UNESCO International Competition; David Ehrlich, violinist and a festival favorite; Rami Solomonow, violist and DePaul University faculty; Nancy Buck, violist and member of the Arizona State University faculty; Thomas Landschoot, cello and faculty with Arizona State University; and Jan Simiz of the Phoenix Symphony.

Jan Simiz
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Jan Simiz, assistant principal cello for The Phoenix Symphony, was born in Barcea, Romania, and his musical career on the cello began by chance.In Romania, most children are introduced to music at a very early age, usually in pre-school.Simiz began late, at age nine, and his only option at the time was the cello.Eventually, he became an award-winning cellist in his native land.

In 1980 Simiz arrived in Los Angeles and won the principal cellist position with Neal Stulberg and the Young Musicians' Foundation "Debut" Orchestra.
...
Additionally, Simiz took master classes with Lynn Harrell, Zara Nelsova and Ronald Leonard.
...
In addition to classical music, Simiz enjoys jazz and some rock.He also appreciates fine art, especially the works of the Impressionists, and a variety of fine cuisine, particularly Chinese.When not performing with The Phoenix Symphony, Simiz plays with Nouveau West Chamber Orchestra and various trio, quartet and quintet groups.In his free time, he enjoys photography and playing soccer, because as he says, "everyone in Romania plays soccer."

Jan Simiz, Assistant Principal