Thomas Mesa

Tommy Mesa, Cuban-American cellist, has established himself as one of the most charismatic, innovative, and engaging performers of his generation. Recently appointed cello faculty at Manhattan School of Music, he is also the recipient of Lincoln Center’s  2025 Avery Fisher Career Grant, Sphinx Medal of Excellence Award, First Prize in the Sphinx Competition, and was a Winner of the Astral Artists National Auditions.  He has appeared as a soloist with major orchestras that include Philadelphia Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, Cleveland Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Madison Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra among many others. His critically acclaimed discography includes a debut concerto recording of Jessie Montgomery’s Divided released on Deutsche Grammophon and duo albums with pianist Michelle Cann and bandoneonist JP Jofre.  Tommy plays on a cello made by Nicolò Gagliano in 1767 and a bow by Andre Richaume, both generously loaned to him by CANIMEX, INC. in Drummondville, Canada. IG: Tommy_J_Mesa