David Everson, Principal Horn
Nancy and Lanny* Baird Chair
David Everson grew up in a musical family, singing in choirs and playing piano and horn. After attending summer sessions at Interlochen Center for the Arts and Tanglewood, he attended the University of Michigan, where he studied under Louis Stout, the highly regarded orchestral player who taught horn at Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance.
Since then, David has held positions in the Flint Symphony Orchestra, Toledo Symphony, Des Moines Metro Opera, Kansas City Symphony and Detroit Symphony Orchestra. He has also been guest principal with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic and National Symphony Orchestra. David has had active teaching studios in Kansas City and Detroit over the years and has performed in many chamber ensembles.
He can be heard in several recent film scores, including If, Despicable Me 4, Twisters and Transformers One.
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The facts:
I was born and raised in Livonia, Michigan, and studied music at the University of Michigan. I became a member of the Naples Philharmonic in the summer of 2024.
What are you most excited for as you begin your tenure with Artis—Naples?
The opportunity to play with a new group of very talented musicians.
What is one fun fact about you?
I’ve recorded over 250 movie soundtracks and television shows over the last 15 years.
What inspired you to become a musician?
I didn’t have a choice. My parents were both music educators. I grew up around music and have been around it my entire life.
What’s challenging about playing your instrument?
In the immortal words of a fellow musician, he coined the phrase for the horn, “the coil of death!” Enough said!
What are your favorite compositions?
Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, any Strauss tone poem, Barber’s Violin Concerto and Brahms’ Horn Trio.
What have you been listening to recently?
Frank Zappa, Bob Seger, Led Zeppelin and Maynard Ferguson.
Are there other musicians in your immediate family?
My sister Kathy played cello with Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Pia Zadora and more.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy golfing and fishing.
*deceased