Principal Bassist of Symphony Nova Scotia since 1986, Max Kasper has gained quite a following for the public education concerts and lectures he has organized and hosted at the Halifax Public Library since 1990. As well as occasionally hosting Symphony school concerts and narrating Peter and the Wolf too many times to count, he has acted as emcee for many events in the community over the years and was one of the hosts for the Symphony‘s Musically Speaking concerts. Of course, his first passion is the double bass, which he began playing in the Toronto public school system at the age of ten. The rest just seemed to fall into place.

Max has appeared as a soloist with the orchestra on several occasions, as well as performing in many solo recitals over the years. He also loves playing chamber music and as well as playing in the KLM trio, he is part of the Gatto Dolce Duo with cellist Colin Matthews. They released a CD Duets for Cello and Bass in 2008. They are slowly recording their next CD, Bad Boy Composers.  Max has a keen interest in Period music; he was a member of Rejouissance, and the Tempest Baroque Ensemble in Halifax, and is an extra player with the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra in Toronto.

Now pursuing a second career as a bow maker, Max has the unique distinction of playing on a bass and bows he has made himself. He lives in Bedford with his love, Esther Ricketts, and their two cats Rowdy and Pippa. In his spare time, he likes to watch TV, read, and make things.

He has been on the faculty of Dalhousie University and has been a guest artist at the Scotia Festival of Music many times. Max has been a musician representative on the Symphony’s Board of Directors, and was the Chairman of the Symphony Nova Scotia Players’ Association for many years.

Musician Representative on the Board.