Raphael Maranon

Raphael Maranon is a Filipino-American cellist, educator, and arts advocate. He recently

finished his undergraduate studies in cello performance at Chicago College of Performing Arts at

Roosevelt University where he worked with Karen Basrak, cellist of Chicago Symphony

Orchestra. Other influential cello teachers include Sarah Marsh, Nazar Dzhuryn, and Tanya

Carey.

In the past he has performed for Thomas Mesa, Alexander Hersh, and members of the Chicago

Symphony Orchestra in masterclass settings. Also he has worked with members of the Avalon

quartet, Pacifica quartet, and Fifth House Ensemble. He has performed in major venues in the

Chicago area such as the Symphony Center, Harris Theater, Guarneri Hall, and Ganz Hall. He

has been invited to take part in festivals such as the Chicago international Music Institute,

International Cello Institute, and the Fresh Inc Festival. He enjoys playing in orchestras, chamber

groups, recitals, and community engagement performances. He can be seen performing a wide

range of music ranging from Baroque music to Contemporary music with electronics.

He is currently in the process of his graduate studies at Western Michigan University as the Cello

Graduate Assistant studying with Bruce Uchimura. He has been accepted as an Artist Scholar

with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra where he can be seen performing with the orchestra

throughout the 23-24 season. Outside of music he enjoys going out into nature, yoga, and

reading.