Davis Pierson, Associate Principal Bass
Kathryn and Arthur Knight Chair
In 2021, Davis Pierson was given an honorary mention in the ISB Double Bass Orchestral Division Competition and received first prize in 2023. He has recently performed as substitute bass with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and Waco Symphony Orchestra.
As an invited fellow of the Verbier Festival Orchestra, Davis spent two meaningful summers in Verbier, Switzerland, where he performed under the batons of Gianandrea Noseda, Klaus Mäkelä, Charles Dutoit, Daniele Gatti, Lahav Shani and Christoph Eschenbach. Thankful for the opportunity, Davis says he received a “great deal of musical inspiration from Maren Reck and the bass section from the festival” and is extremely excited to begin his first season with the Naples Philharmonic.
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The facts:
I was born in Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, and received my Bachelor of Music at Baylor University while studying under Sandor Ostlund, professor of double bass. I joined the Naples Philharmonic in the summer of 2024.
What are you most excited for as you begin your tenure with Artis—Naples?
I am proud to be a part of the vibrant arts community in Naples and excited to make some music!
What is one fun fact about you?
I lived on the small island of Okinawa, south of mainland Japan, for three years.
What inspired you to become a musician?
I began playing bass in 6th grade in Plano, Texas. The public school system there has amazing music programs that helped form my love for music. My high school bass teacher, Graham Eubanks, was the one who inspired me to pursue a music career.
What’s challenging about playing your instrument?
The size of the bass makes it challenging. Not only playing it, but transporting can be difficult! Remaining relaxed while playing is something I’m still working on.
What are your favorite compositions?
There are so many pieces that come to mind, but some of my favorites are: Fratres by Arvo Pärt; Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, Symphony No. 5 and Symphony No. 7; Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 4; Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto 3; Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring; and Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra.
What have you been listening to recently?
I listen to a wide variety of music, but lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Gojira, Danheim, Fleetwood Mac and Shawn James.
Are there other musicians in your immediate family?
I am the only musician, but they are great artists.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love hiking, swimming, kayaking and exploring nature.