Cellist Deborah Reeder has Died, Aged 83

Reeder was a founder member of the Philadelphia Trio

The American cellist Deborah Reeder has passed away aged 83.

Born in Pennsylvania in 1940, Reeder initially learned the piano and the violin from her mother. She then went on to study the cello with Lorne Munroe and Orlando Cole at the Philadelphia Musical Academy, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in performance. She also trained at the Tanglewood during this time, and in New York with Luigi Silva.

Reeder played in the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy between 1973 and 1979, as well as with the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra and other ensembles.

In 1971, she founded the Philadelphia Trio, alongside pianist Elizabeth Keller and violinist Barbara Sonies (who was her long-term partner). As well as touring within Philadelphia, the group appeared across the United States and in Europe.

A beloved pedagogue, Reeder taught cello and chamber music at Temple University, as well as privately.

She was also artist-in-residence at Rosemont College, Yellow Springs Institute, and Trenton State College. In addition, she was a frequent guest on radio and TV shows, and organized workshops, lectures, and concerts for her students.

Our condolences to Reeder's family, friends, and colleagues.