Spotlight | Principal Bass

Landon Honolka

Landon Honolka joined the Kansas City Symphony as Principal Bass in 2026. Prior to his appointment in Kansas City, he served as Principal Bass of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and Oklahoma Baroque Orchestra. He was also a member of the double bass section of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and has performed with ensembles including the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, Fort Smith Symphony, and New Mexico Philharmonic.

A native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Honolka began studying the double bass at age eleven. His early musical development led him to Oklahoma City University, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree before continuing his studies at The Juilliard School. While at Juilliard, he studied with Joseph Conyers, Principal Bass of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and developed a passion for orchestral performance, chamber music, and bass pedagogy.

An active orchestral and solo performer, Honolka has appeared as a concerto soloist with the Arapahoe Philharmonic and New Mexico Philharmonic. His performances have taken him throughout the United States, and he has worked alongside many of the country’s leading musicians through summer festivals and professional engagements. Honolka is a recipient of fellowships to both the Aspen Music Festival and School and the National Repertory Orchestra, where he performed under internationally recognized conductors
and collaborated with emerging artists from across North America.

Outside the concert hall, Honolka enjoys strength training, cooking, and spending time with his
wife, Jessica, and their dog, Link.