738: Ian Hallas on four auditions for the same ensemble

<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href= "https://www.ianhallas.com/">Ian Hallas</a> has had quite a journey on the road to his position as Principal Bass of the Lyric Opera Orchestra.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> We first <a href= "https://contrabassconversations.com/2016/02/04/cbc-180-audition-winner-ian-hallas-lyric-opera-of-chicago/"> spoke for the podcast in early 2016</a> after winning a section bass position, and he won three additional auditions for Lyric for title chairs.</span></p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">We talk about what it’s like auditioning for another job in your same orchestra, how his audition process has evolved since our conversation four years ago, what he learned along the journey, and much more! </span></p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">Ian teaches bass privately and also for Northwestern University, so don’t hesitate to <a href= "https://www.ianhallas.com/contact">send him an email if</a> you’d like to study with this incredible teacher!</span></p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>About Ian:</strong></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">Ian Hallas began his tenure as Principal Bass of the Lyric Opera Orchestra in 2019 after joining the section in 2016. He holds a bachelor’s degree with Distinction in Research and Creativity from Rice University where he studied with Paul Ellison as well as a master’s degree from the University of Southern California under David Moore. He has also been heavily influenced by Chris Hanulik and Todd Seeber and has worked extensively with master luthier Mike Shank. In addition to the Lyric Opera, Ian has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Detroit, Atlanta and Milwaukee Symphonies and the Grant Park Orchestra.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">Ian was an award-winning fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center. He was also an invited guest chamber musician at Spoleto Festival USA where he performed with the St. Lawrence quartet and members of the Chamber