Connor Landers, Associate Principal / Utility Horn
Floyd and Jane Smith Chair
Connor Landers joined the Naples Philharmonic as associate principal/utility horn in November 2024. He is a recent graduate of the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Connor also received a Bachelor of Music and Performer's Certificate from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
In addition to the Naples Philharmonic, Connor has performed with the Orchestre Métropolitain, Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarasota Orchestra, The Florida Orchestra, Festival Orchestra Napa and Sarasota Music Festival Orchestra. He also served as an associate member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago for the 2021-22 season. At the 55th International Horn Symposium in Montreal, Quebec, Connor was a winner of the Alpine Symphony Competition and a finalist in the Premier Soloist Competition.
Connor also has a passion for educating, composing and arranging, having taught at both public and private schools in Florida, Texas and New York. He has arranged and composed for ensembles such as the Eastman Horn Choir, the 198th Army Band and the Bradenton Symphony Orchestra.
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The facts:
I am from Bradenton, Florida.
What are you most excited for as you begin your tenure with Artis—Naples?
I am excited to work with such wonderful musicians every day, and being close to home is nice, too!
What is one fun fact about you?
During my time at Rice, when I wasn’t practicing, I played for the university’s disc golf team!
What inspired you to become a musician?
I’ve always had a curiosity for exploring and learning music, even from a young age, so pursuing a career in music just felt natural to me.
What’s challenging about playing your instrument?
On the horn, just playing all the right notes is a challenge!
What are your favorite compositions?
I enjoy pretty much anything by Strauss or Mahler, but my favorite to listen to is Carl Nielsen’s Second Symphony.
What have you been listening to recently?
I really enjoy jazz and fusion artists like Jacob Collier and Sting.
Are there other musicians in your immediate family?
While no one else in my family is a professional musician, they always encouraged me to pursue my passion for music.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy making craft coffee, cooking, running and team sports like ultimate frisbee!