Mark Gibbs, Principal
Robert A. Kipp Chair
B.M., M.M. Northwestern University

Member of the Orchestra Since 1998

Cellist Mark Gibbs is in his tenth season with the Kansas City Symphony, where he serves as principal cellist. He has appeared as a soloist with the Kansas City Symphony and as a recitalist in the Greater Kansas City area. Prior to his appointment in Kansas City, Gibbs earned both his bachelor and master of music degrees from Northwestern University, where he was a student of Hans Jensen. At Northwestern, Gibbs was named principal cellist of the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and he was an A-list substitute for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Gibbs' numerous awards include the Northwestern University Civic Scholar String Fellowship, the Union League of Chicago Civic and Arts Foundation Prize, First Place in the Northwestern University School of Music Concerto Competition, First Prize in the MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) Collegiate Artist National Competition, and the Grand Prize in the ASTA (American String Teachers Association) National Solo Competition.

Gibbs currently resides in Olathe with his wife, Tamamo Gibbs (principal second violinist with the Symphony), and their two daughters, Mika and Maho.