Gene Berger, Principal Horn

Member of Southwest Florida Symphony since: 2007

Born: Lantana, FL.  Grew up in Jupiter, FL

Age started learning Horn: 7 yrs old

Degrees: Bachelor of Music (BM) from Florida State University, and an Masters of Music (MM) from Southern Methodist University.

Gene studied and took lessons on Horn for 7 years PRIOR to attending college

Symphonic experience Gene brings to SWFSO:  The Florida Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburg Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, orchestra Indiana, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Traverse Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Gene can be heard on numerous recordings with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel and the Grammy winning recordings of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra under conductor Paavo Järvi.

Famous musicians Gene has worked with:  Issac Stern, Eric Kunzel, Paavo Yarvi, John Williams

Teaching Experience:  Adjunct Professor, University of Central Florida,  Interlochen Arts Academy, and Ball State University Professor of Horn

Music Festivals Gene has been a part of: The Colorado Music Festival, Spoleto Music Festival, Music in the Mountains, Sun Valley Music Festival

Something you may not know about Gene: “I love camping, fishing, cooking, gardening and bee keeping”

Special music awards, scholarships, or accomplishments Gene has earned?
Deans Creative Scholarship Award from Ball State University

What Gene likes most about playing in SWFSO:  “Always seeing new faces in the orchestra as it grows”.

“The community deserves a world class orchestra with a transparent administration for those who donate to the symphony.”