Beth Sturdevant, Cellist

Where words fail….music speaks.

They say the cello is the instrument of the soul, whose frequencies resonate with the heart.

My journey with my cello has been a journey of just that.

From my days as a young girl following in the footsteps of my professional musician parents, to traveling the world studying and living in places like San Francisco, (California), Banff (Alberta) and Athens (Greece), to embarking on a freelance cellist career in New York City, to experiencing loss resulting in a completely new journey back home in Canada as a full-time single mother of two boys.

Throughout all of the triumphs and tribulations, my cello has been there, accompanying me every step of the way.

​The cello is a sacred part of my heart.
I bring that to every performance I am in, every venue that I have the pleasure of playing, every event and ceremony that I am blessed to be a part of.

Music truly is the greatest Universal language.
One that unifies our differences.
Soothes our silent sorrows.

And offers us harmony in the deepest parts of our soul.

It is my honour to be able to offer these moments of harmony and unison, to you.

Beth Sturdevant is an accomplished cellist with a rich and diverse background in classical, jazz, chamber, and pop/rock music. Her journey in music began at the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy, where she earned her High School Diploma in 1996. She continued her musical education at institutions such as the Eastman School of Music, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (Bachelor of Music Performance, 2001), and the University of Ottawa, where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Education in 2010.

Beth’s dedication to her craft led her to various notable experiences, including an artist residency at the Banff Centre for the Arts, participation in the National Repertory Orchestra in Breckenridge, Colorado, and serving as the Principal Cello for the European Tour of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada in 1997.

Throughout her career, Beth has studied under renowned teachers such as Hans Jorgen Jensen, Pamela Frame, and Jean-Michel Fonteneau. She has also benefited from masterclasses and coaching sessions with distinguished musicians like Philippe Muller, Edgar Meyer, Joel Krosnick, Pinchas Zuckerman, Timothy Eddy, Clive Greensmith, and others.

Beth’s orchestral journey includes performances as a Substitute Cello for the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, serving as acting Principal Cello for the Canadian Chamber Orchestra in New York, and contributing to various other orchestras in Toronto, Athens (Greece), and beyond.

Beth has made significant contributions to musical theatre with her work as solo cellist on the Broadway production of “The Pajama Game”, starring Harry Connick Jr. and Kelli O’Hara, as well as performing for “Oliver!”, “Sound of Music” and “Anne and Gilbert” with the National Arts Centre English Theatre (Ottawa), and touring with the Disney production “On The Record” in the United States.

In the realm of jazz, Beth has showcased her talent as a Solo Cello performer with the Harry Connick Jr. Jazz Ensemble, captivating audiences at venues like the Toronto Jazz Festival.

Beyond classical and jazz, Beth has made her mark in pop/rock music, collaborating with artists like Barbra Streisand, Hoobastank, Il Divo and Train. Her solo and section cello performances have graced prestigious platforms such as The Today Show and Martha Stewart Live.

Beth Sturdevant’s remarkable career reflects her commitment to musical excellence, education, and a dynamic exploration of diverse musical genres. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of music, inspiring both students and audiences alike.

Beth Sturdevant, has an extensive background as a performing artist both Internationally and at home in Ottawa, Ontario.

Beth’s wide-roster of performers and ensembles that she’s worked with, include:

  • Barbra Streisand
  • Harry Connick Jr
  • The Eagles
  • National Arts Centre Orchestra
  • Ottawa Symphony Orchestra
  • Disney Theatricals (National US tour, On The Record)
  • Broadway (The Pajama Game)
  • NAC English Theatre (Oliver!, Anne of Green Gables, The Sound of Music)
  • Il Divo
  • Train
  • Hoobastank
  • East Village Opera Company
  • Athens (Greece) Chamber Orchestra
  • Kingston Symphony
  • Decades of Bond (James Bond show band)
  • and more…