Los Angeles Philharmonic Announces Resident Fellows

Ismael Guerrero, Nicholas Arredondo, and Justin Ochoa will play with the orchestra for a tenure of up to three years

Three early-career musicians have been named as the Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen LA Phil Resident Fellows for the 2022/23 season. They are Cuban cellist Ismael Guerrero, American double bassist Nicholas Arredondo, and American percussionist Justin Ochoa.

The Resident Fellows program provides a springboard into professional orchestral careers for outstanding graduates who are from traditionally underrepresented populations. It is open to string players and percussionists, and the recipients are selected by Gustavo Dudamel, alongside players from the orchestra.

Each year, the LA Phil appoints a cohort of up to five fellows. They will play with the orchestra for up to three years and receive a salary and benefits package while doing so.

Over the course of their tenure, they will also receive mentoring from permanent members of the orchestra, as well as audition coaching to prepare them for the next stages of their careers.

The current Fellows are Gabriela Peña-Kim, Michael Fuller, Wesley Sumpter, Sydney Adedamola, and Jarrett Threadgill.

"It's been a whirlwind experience," said Wesley Sumpter of his time as a Resident Fellow. "It's remarkable because playing here, you learn how to move throughout the business of music."