Instrument/Department: Cello
Joined Hochstein faculty in: 2022 (not currently teaching at Hochstein)
Filipino-American cellist Amanda Skye Laborete enjoys a diverse musical career as an orchestral player, chamber musician, and teacher.
Laborete holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Eastman School of Music and a Master of Music from Manhattan School of Music. She is also a recipient of the Glenn and Frances Harris Cello Prize. Amanda’s principal teachers are Julia Lichten and Alan Harris. In addition to summer studies, Amanda has performed numerous times with the La Jolla Music Festival. In 2012, she gave her solo debut with the International Youth Symphony.
As a teacher, Amanda has served as chamber coach for San Diego State Summer Music Institute, and is currently on faculty at The Hochstein School, ROCmusic, and Harlem School of the Arts in Manhattan.
She has performed as a section cellist in Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Syracuse Symphoria and currently performs with the Albany Symphony Orchestra. In past years she has been principal of the Manhattan School of Music Symphony Orchestra, MSM Chamber Sinfonia, Eastman Philharmonia, the Eastman School Symphony Orchestra, and the San Diego Youth Symphony. Recently, Amanda joined the limited roster for resident musicians at Lincoln Center Stage.
As an active proponent of Filipino representation and visibility in classical music, Amanda was invited to join the roster as a young artist for Filam Music Foundation. Additionally, she performs frequently with Groupmuse in an effort to make classical music more accessible across all audiences.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with animals, painting, and eating great food with friends.
More About Amanda Laborete
Hometown: San Diego
Why the arts matter: Self-expression! Love for one another! Empathy! Communication!
Favorite things to do in Rochester area: I love going on hikes around the area with my chocolate lab, Arlo.
When I’m not at Hochstein, you can find me: Cooking, eating or at a yoga studio
My favorite local restaurant: Shema Sushi
Favorite place to travel: Paris