Dr. Ismar Gomes is a passionate and adventurous cellist, equally at home in the worlds of modern and early music—as both a performer and pedagogue. For over a decade, he has presented recitals across the U.S. as a member of Duo Sorolla, and collaborates with acclaimed musicians from the Pittsburgh Symphony, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Emerson and Johannes Quartets. His performances are marked by warmth, curiosity, and a deep sense of musical storytelling.
A former member of the Virginia and Richmond Symphonies, Dr. Gomes now performs regularly with the Baltimore Symphony. As a period instrumentalist, he was cellist in Mélomanie for several seasons and continues to work with other early music ensembles, including several tours with Ken Slowik. He recently joined the innovative Valencia Baryton Project, with whom he tours internationally and records for NAXOS.
Alongside the canon, Dr. Gomes is a devoted advocate for underrepresented and contemporary voices. He has worked closely with celebrated composers including George Walker, Aaron Jay Kernis, James Lee III, and David Lang, while also commissioning and premiering works by a new generation of composers. His discography reflects this range—from collaborations with the Harlem Quartet on Canteloupe Music to recent albums with Mélomanie, and recordings of works by Larry Nelson, Mark Hagerty, and others. Dr. Gomes will perform and record several premieres in the coming season.
Equally committed to mentorship and musical growth, Dr. Gomes is Artistic Director of the Rushmore Music Festival, where he also serves as a Faculty Artist and sits on the Board of Directors. He is a dedicated teacher, currently on the cello and chamber music faculties at the Peabody Institute, University of Maryland Baltimore County, and George Mason University, and regularly gives masterclasses at institutions such as Shenandoah Conservatory and Duke University.
Dr. Gomes earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Stony Brook University, under the tutelage of Colin Carr. He previously studied at the Peabody Conservatory with Alison Wells and Amit Peled, and his development was further shaped by work with Marc Johnson and Clive Greensmith of the Vermeer and Tokyo Quartets.
Contact
Affiliate Artist
Cello
igomes@umbc.edu