Website Resources: Cello Explosion is Back with ‘Stage and Screen’ Program

Mr. Peshlakai was born and educated in Michigan.  He received his Bachelor of Music from MSU and his Master of Music from the University of Michigan, studying with Owen Carman and Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, respectively.  Other teachers who were also deeply influential include Louis Potter and Mario DiFiore.

David held the Diether Haenicke Principal Cello Chair with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra from 2004 – 2017. During that time he was a member of the Burdick-Thorne String Quartet.  The Quartet participated in master classes given by both the Emerson and Muir String Quartets.  He has performed in many chamber recitals and festivals throughout Michigan and in Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Iowa.  His coaches have included members of the Juilliard, Alban Berg, Concord, Vermeer, and Kronos String Quartets.    

David has also performed as a section cellist, principal or guest soloist of many orchestras in Michigan and the Mid-West, including Grand Rapids, Jackson, Battle Creek and Lansing.

Peshlakai has been teaching cello at Hillsdale College since 1992 and at Kalamazoo College since 2010.