After first performing as a substitute musician with the orchestra in 2019, Lee Philip joins the Richmond Symphony for its 2026-27 season as Principal Bass.

Lee’s major studies came with Peter Lloyd at Northwestern University, Paul Johnson and John Hood (husband of past RSO Principal Bassist Nancy Hood) at the Peabody Institute, and Duane Botterbusch at Gettysburg College. Lee attended summers at the Pacific and Sarasota Music Festivals, Tanglewood Music Center and AIMS Graz, and his performance appearances include major ensembles in Singapore, Chicago, Miami Beach, San Francisco, Utah, and Helsinki.

While normally content performing the wide variety of gorgeous symphonic orchestra repertoire in bass sections, Lee has an interest in the art of bow making and repair for his instrument, and still dabbles in some music composition of his own.