HSU hosted Dallas Symphony Orchestra cellist Christopher Adkins

(Abilene, TX)– Hardin-Simmons welcomed cellist Christopher Adkins to a recital in Woodward Dellis Recital Hall last Tuesday. Mr. Adkins has been a member of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for more than 30 years and is currently its principal cellist. Admission was free to the public.

“This recital is an important opportunity for orchestra students from all over the big country to hear a world-class cellist from the Dallas Symphony perform,” says Jeffrey Cottrell, associate professor of low brass and music theory. “Students who play in orchestra programs at area middle schools, high schools, and universities will have a chance to hear him tonight. Our own Dr. Mark Puckett will accompany him on piano,” he says.

Christopher Adkins with his cello

Adkins received his music education at the University of North Texas and at Yale University. During his time at the prestigious universities, he studied with distinguished teacher Aldo Parisot. Adkins also held the position of principal cellist with the New Haven Symphony during that time. After receiving his Masters of Music, he became the principal cellist of the Denver Symphony.

After two seasons, he joined the Milwaukee Symphony, accomplishing his goal of performing in a major symphony. In 1987, he returned to his native Dallas, to occupy the principal chair once held by his former teacher, Lev Aronson.

Adkins’ talents were mentioned by the press, such as The Dallas Morning News, which praised Adkins’ performance in a review of a recent concert, saying “The Haydn was a special treat, showing off four of the orchestra’s finest musicians. Violinist Nathan Olson, cellist Christopher Adkins, oboist Erin Hannigan, and bassoonist Wilfred Roberts played nimbly and elegantly.”

As the longtime cellist of contemporary music group Voices of Change, Mr. Adkins was nominated for a Grammy award for the recording “Voces Americanas.” His vivid musical career continues today while he teaches at the Southern Methodist University Meadows School of Arts. Adkins joined the school in 1988, and trains undergraduate and graduate cello students with repertoire and studio classes. He continues as an active recitalist and chamber musician, performing broadly across the region. His family shares his passion for music, and he formed the Adkins String Ensemble along with six of his brothers and sisters.

At HSU, Adkins was well-received by an audience ready to hear him play his instruments with the accompanist’s melodies.

Christopher Adkins with Dr. Mark Puckett on stage

“Christopher has been doing a series of recitals at various universities around Texas and approached us about including HSU on the tour schedule since he has West Texas roots,” says Cottrell.

Born in the city of Brownwood, just a few miles from Abilene, Adkins showed how happy he was to come back to his roots.

“As a Texas native and proud member of the Dallas Symphony since 1987, I am very excited at the possibility of coming westwards,” says Adkins. “I was actually born in Brownwood back in 1959, and my mother Alis Dickinson was the valedictorian of her HPU class in the 1950s. Last year, I played one of these grant-sponsored recitals at Howard Payne, which was a very special homecoming for me. So coming to Abilene is getting close back to my roots!” he says.