About PACO

Eugene Sor, Chamber Director

Whether conducting, coaching chamber music, or teaching cello in his private studio, Eugene Sor has had a distinguished career working with music students of all ages and abilities. In 2022, he was appointed Artistic Director of the renowned Crowden Music Center in Berkeley, where he has served in various teaching and administrative capacities since 1998. Eugene is also a Resident Conductor and the Director of Chamber Music Academy of the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra, with whom he has worked since 2001. Previously, he has been director of the Preparatory Division Chamber Orchestra at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and has also held teaching positions at Notre Dame de Namur University and Black Pine Circle School. As a conductor, he has toured with The Crowden School throughout the US and abroad, including performances in Washington DC, Chicago, Cleveland, Honolulu,  Pittsburgh, Seattle, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Stockholm, and Copenhagen.

Eugene received his early musical training from cellists Milly Rosner and Barry Gold, and has been a familiar face to Bay Area music audiences and students for nearly 30 years. His background in ensemble playing has led to collaborations with esteemed artists such as the Alexander String Quartet, Baumer Quartet, Fry Street Quartet, Aizuri Quartet, Telegraph Quartet, Cavani String Quartet, cellist Bonnie Hampton, and pianist Jeff LaDeur. His wide range of performance experience has been integral in his background as a music teacher, providing him insights into how to maximize his students’ potential through challenging repertoire choices, detailed rehearsal technique, and strong interpersonal connections.