–

Biography

Simon Linn-Gerstein has performed solo recitals for PBS Philadelphia, Rutgers-Camden Noontime Recital Series, as a guest performer for the Network for New Music at the Philadelphia Art Alliance, and as a soloist with the Salem Philharmonic and the Symphony by the Sea chamber series. Simon is a co-founder of Strange Interlude with harpist Lily Press, an ensemble focused on intimate salon-style concerts with programs that are carefully curated to include seldom-performed works, pieces by contemporary composers (including newly-commissioned works) and transcriptions and arrangements for their unique instrumentation. He has performed with Strange Interlude at venues and concert series including ArtShare LA, Spectrum NYC, Northeastern University, Endicott College, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Advent Library Chamber Series, the Nave Music Series, and the Candlelight Concert Series.

Simon has collaborated with members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Richard Wernick, and has recorded music for video games and TV shows, including Final Fantasy XV, Made in Abyss, and games from the Resident Evil and Monster Hunter series. He has performed as part of the Santa Monica Symphony, Hillyer Festival Orchestra, Cape Ann Symphony Orchestra, Symphony by the Sea, and MIT Concert Choir Orchestra. He received a Master of Music degree in cello performance from the Longy School of Music of Bard College, where he studied with Terry King. He also studied with Michal Schmidt at Haverford College, where he graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in music.

–

Press

“…in the fingers of harpist Lily Press and cellist Simon Linn-Gerstein, the notes fit together as cozily as a dance by Astaire and Rogers.”  – Constance Gorfinkel, Hingham Journal

“Exceptional creative promise as a cellist”  – The Salem Gazette

“We were treated by a few of Longy’s best students to some of [Broadway composer Charles] Strouse’s early classical chamber works.” — David Griesinger, The Boston Musical Intelligencer

“[FRONT PAGE PHOTO]” — Owen O’Rourke, The Daily Item

“Linn-Gerstein, of Salem… studied cello with Michal Schmidt. He has performed solo recitals for PBS Philadelphia and Rutgers-Camden Noontime Recital Series, and as a guest performer for the Network for New Music at the Philadelphia Art Alliance.” — The Salem Gazette

“[Simon Linn-Gerstein] has collaborated with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Richard Wernick” — WGBH.org

“[Simon Linn-Gerstein] has collaborated with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Richard Wernick” — Boston.com

“The Stravinsky was a resounding success, buoyed by the exquisite play of Simon Linn-Gerstein ‘09 on cello, from whom we can only hope to hear much more.” — Will Coleman, Bi-College News

“Praiseworthy performances from cellists Simon Linn-Gerstein ‘09 and Kelvin Chang ‘10 followed, and the orchestra finished the symphony with fine work on all sides.” — James McDowell, Bi-College News

“The most beautiful arrangement was the version of “Dreams,” with SIMON LINN-GERSTEIN on cello, Lily Press on
harp, Adam Subhas on drums, Emma Buckingham on piano, and two vocalists: Tharrison Boykin and Sarah Allard.
[Reviewing a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s album “Rumors”, organized by Jen Delos Reyes]” — Genna Cherichello, Bi-College News