Praised for her “expert technical work” (The Strad), cellist Amanda Gookin "pushes Classical forward" (LA Times) and champions the future of music through the creation and bold performance of new works, and a dedication to education, culture, and community engagement. 

 

Amanda was the founder and decade-long cellist of string quartet, PUBLIQuartet, specializing in new music and improvisation; and was nominated for a 2020 GRAMMY Award for their latest album, “Freedom and Faith.” She serves on the faculty at Mannes School of Music and SUNY Purchase, leading courses on experimental performance, social leadership, and women in music. She has been sought after to speak on activism through music by TEDxMidAtlantic, Second Inversion, Houston Public Media, and I Care If You Listen.

 

In 2015, Amanda initiated Forward Music Project to commission new multimedia works for solo cello and video art that elevate stories of feminine empowerment through raw performances and educational programs. She has premiered and internationally toured twelve new works for FMP 1.0 and FMP 2.0: in this skin and will premiere six new commissions for FMP 3.0: fever dreams in Fall 2020. Amanda is on the touring roster of National Sawdust Projects and has been presented by such institutions as The Kennedy Center (Washington, DC), The Wallis (Los Angeles), and deDoelen (Rotterdam, NL).