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Janis Nilsen

Janis Nilsen

On Stage

A member of the Charlotte Symphony and the city's musical community for over 35 years, Janis Nilsen is known as a performer, teacher, and advocate of music. As an orchestral musician, she has performed in Philadelphia, Boston, Savannah, Birmingham, and Minneapolis-St. Paul; with summers at Santa Fe Opera and the Eastern Music Festival. Janis has made over two hundred chamber music appearances across the southeast, highlighted by 15 years with the Nikos Trio. She has taught cello and chamber music at Davidson College and Queens College, and maintains an active private studio - Cellissimo! She is a graduate of Philadelphia's New School of Music where she was a pupil of Orlando Cole. 

Off Stage

First season with the CSO: 1980

Education: Boston University, University of Minnesota, Philadelphia's New School of Music

Favorite concert experience with the CSO?
It's hard to choose, but performing with Victor Borge was unique. The first time was in the 1980s, as I recall. His rehearsal was completely different from his concert. I never knew what to expect. I laughed so hard I could not breathe! A terrific musician and a brilliant man.

Any hobbies?
Cooking and eating, building stuff, rescuing Samoyeds, designing the perfect tool for the job.

Favorite thing about Charlotte?
My wonderful neighborhood - full of people I know and love.