Profile

Thomas Derthick is currently Principal Bassist of the Sacramento Philharmonic, Opera, Ballet and Choral Society, as well as the Cabrillo Festival, America’s foremost Contemporary Music Festival. He frequently performs with the Chamber Music Society of Sacramento and has recorded and toured with the Empyrean Ensemble. Other performances include the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Opera, San Diego Symphony and Oregon Symphony, as well as recording work and Broadway shows.  Three decades of service to his fellow professional musicians culminated in Tom’s election as Vice President of the Professional Musicians of Central California, AFM Local 12.

Professional solo appearances include multiple performances of the Bottesini Grand Duo Concertante and Concerto #2, the Koussevitsky Concerto and the Dragonetti C major Quintet. Tom recently performed unaccompanied bass recitals for full houses in both Sacramento and Stockton.

Tom was appointed Music Director of the Central Valley Youth Symphony in 2000. Under his leadership the orchestra has expanded its performance schedule, enrollment and community outreach; initiated its annual and highly successful Concerto Competition and collaborations with the Stockton Symphony; and twice led performances in Carnegie Hall. Tom also served as Interim Music Director of the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra in 2007-08, leading their first performance in the Gallo Center for the Arts. Recent guest conducting appearances include the San Joaquin County High School Honor Orchestra, the CMEA Capital Section Junior High School Honor Orchestra, and the Tracy Unified Schools Honor Orchestra. Tom was recently honored for Outstanding Achievement in Arts Education by the Stockton Arts Commission.