Caleb van der Swaagh

Caleb van der Swaagh is a Lecturer of Music in Cello at the Conservatory of Music, Purchase College, where he teaches instrumental performance. He is an accomplished cellist known for his performances in chamber and contemporary music settings.

Education:

• BA, Columbia University – Juilliard School Joint Program (Classics and Medieval & Renaissance Studies)
• MM, New England Conservatory of Music
• Professional Studies Certificate, Manhattan School of Music

Caleb is deeply engaged in the performance of contemporary and chamber music. He is a member of Exponential Ensemble, counter)induction, Ensemble Échappé, and Ensemble Ipse, and has collaborated with The Knights, A Far Cry, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, and Talea Ensemble. His artistic focus lies in new music, having premiered works by Georg Friedrich Haas, Beat Furrer, Christian Wolff, and Roscoe Mitchell, and performing his own compositions.

His recent recordings include Against Method (New Focus Recordings) and Elliott Carter’s Clarinet Quintet (Navona Records), with appearances on labels such as Albany Records and Avie Records. His performances span major festivals including Chelsea Music Festival, Ottawa ChamberFest, and Birdfoot Festival, reflecting a strong international presence and commitment to innovative programming.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Tanglewood Karl Zeise Memorial Cello Prize
• Manhattan School of Music Pablo Casals Award
• Grant recipient, Virtu Foundation

Caleb has been actively involved in numerous artistic projects and ensembles, contributing to contemporary music through performance, recording, and collaboration. While no formal students or grants are listed, his extensive performance history and leadership in new music ensembles underscore his impact as an educator and performer. He performs on a 2012 cello by David Wiebe.

Ensembles and Artistic Teams:

• Exponential Ensemble
• counter)induction
• Ensemble Échappé
• Ensemble Ipse
• Argento Chamber Ensemble
• Talea Ensemble