264: David Heyes on leaving a legacy

David Heyes double bass

David Heyes needs no introduction.

Since founding Recital Music over 20 years ago, David has brought the music of composers like Tony Osborne, Teppo Hauta-aho, and Simón García to countless bass players.

David has also commissioned over 500 double bass compositions.  Talk about an impact on the bass world!

In recent years, David has become a prolific composer.

In only three years, his compositions have been performed in eight different countries.  He is constantly thinking of new ideas for pieces.  In fact, he’s even writing a piece for me!

It was such a pleasure to meet David in person in Prague for BASS2016. Here’s a favorite photo of us meeting in the airport–talk about a warm welcome to the Czech Republic!

david-petya-jason-and-company-at-bass2016-prague

David is also a prolific writer.  In addition to writing for publications like The Strad, David has created A History of the Double Bass in 100 Pieces and BASS NOTES.  He is constantly finding new ways to synthesize double bass knowledge and provide value to the community.

By the way, his recital in Prague was awesome. Here’s a bit of it on YouTube.  Check it out, and enjoy this interview with Davide Heyes!

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By Jason

An active double bass performer and teacher, Jason teaches double bass at DePaul University and served on the Board of Directors of the International Society of Bassists for many years. Jason is the current President of the Illinois chapter of the American String Teachers Association. Jason has been a member of the Elgin Symphony since 2000 and has played with the Midsummer’s Music Festival in Door County for the past decade. He is a past member of the Milwaukee Ballet and IRIS Orchestra, and has performed with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Grant Park Symphony, and numerous other professional ensembles.