Adonis Garcia, a sophomore cello performance major in Missouri State University’s Department of Music, recently won the principal cello position during a blind audition for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.

“We are proud of the excellent work Adonis has done to win this professional leadership position in Springfield Symphony Orchestra,” said Dr. Daniel Ketter, associate professor of music at MSU and Garcia’s cello teacher.

Garcia was in math class when he learned he had won principal cello.

“Honestly, I almost cried with emotion, but I held back because there were many people around me,” Garcia said.

Immediately after hearing the news, Garcia called his parents in Venezuela. They were surprised by the news, as Garcia had not told them he was auditioning. Then he called his girlfriend, Moira, whom he described as one of his biggest supporters.

Demanding audition process

Auditioning for principal cello was a demanding process, Garcia said. He spent an entire vacation studying 12 required orchestral excerpts, including Mozart’s “Symphony No. 40,” Strauss’ “Don Juan,” and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5.”

The symphony jury allowed Garcia to include a personal favorite in his audition repertoire. Garcia selected Édouard Lalo’s “Cello Concerto in D minor.”

Garcia said he received very good feedback from the jurors, all of whom were main members of the orchestra. He is excited because now, not only is Garcia principal cello, he will also be a jury member during the next auditions.

Hard work, lots of practice

With the 2024-25 season underway, Garcia is already hard at work as principal cello. The season’s inaugural performance on Sept. 14 featured Shostakovich’s “Symphony No. 10.”

“It is a symphony that lasts one hour and requires a very high level of interpretation and technique to be able to execute it,” he said.

Garcia practices cello at least 30 hours a week. He sets aside roughly two hours a day just to study scheduled Springfield Symphony pieces. The symphony only holds four rehearsals before each concert.

Cello a lifeline to opportunity

Garcia began playing cello as a child in Venezuela. In an effort to protect him from violence, Garcia’s mother steered him in this direction, but not before trying several other options, including sports.

“I come from one of the most dangerous cities in the world, Miranda state in Venezuela,” Garcia said. “So, my mother tried to keep me and my sister away from the daily violence and crimes.”

“She put me in baseball, swimming and soccer, but I did not like sports at all,” he continued. “Then she heard something about an orchestra close to our neighborhood, and since that day I have been playing the cello.”

MSU a “path to excellence”

A week after Garcia arrived at Missouri State he auditioned for — and was selected — to be a member of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s cello section.

Then, Ketter told Garcia the audition for principal cello had been scheduled. He encouraged Garcia to go for it.

“Dr. Ketter has been and is a fundamental part of my musical and professional growth,” Garcia said. “He has always motivated me to do things that I sometimes think are very difficult but that, as an excellent teacher, he sees beyond what I can see.”

“Since then, my life and musical career took the path to excellence,” Garcia added.

Faculty give support and encouragement

“Adonis has been a fabulous addition to our cello studio and music department community at MSU,” Ketter said. “His dedication and seriousness of study are evident by the extraordinary progress he has made in lessons and working with other students in chamber music, orchestra and coursework.”

Garcia also acknowledged the influence of Dr. Amy Muchnick, who teaches viola at MSU and helped Garcia obtain a scholarship.

“She is like a mother to me,” Garcia said. “She has always been there for me not only in the musical part, but she has also been an economic and emotional support.”

Muchnick met Garcia in Bolivia in 2021 when she was conducting a chamber music workshop for members of the local orchestra.

“Adonis basically grabbed my heart,” Muchnick said. “His musicianship, personality and dedication made for an ‘I want to help you succeed moment’ in my life.”

“What a joy it has been to be his mentor, confidant and friend,” she added. “I look forward to watching his continued growth as a young artist.”

Eyeing the future, enjoying the present

Garcia’s future plans include auditioning for the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra after graduating.

“I had the opportunity to go to one of their concerts last year,” he said. “Since then, this goal has been in my head.”

Meanwhile, in what little spare time Garcia has, he likes to spend quiet time at home.

“A relaxing day for me is staying at home with Moira and our two kittens watching [television] series and movies,” he said.