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. He has been a member of Crowden Music Center’s faculty since 1998 and is the resident conductor of the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra, with whom he has worked since 2001. He has been director of the Preparatory Division Chamber Orchestra at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and has also held teaching positions at San Francisco State University, California State East Bay University, Notre Dame de Namur University and Black Pine Circle School.

Eugene received his early musical training from renowned cello pedagogue Milly Rosner and completed his graduate studies in cello performance with Barry Gold at UCLA in 1996. He is a member of the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra and an avid chamber musician. He was formerly principal cellist of the Stockton Symphony and a founding member of the Chamberlain String Quartet. 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 and strong rehearsal technique.

Eugene and his wife, violinist Karen Shinozaki Sor, happily reside in the East Bay with their son Kenji.