Today on Introductions is a rarity: a solo double bass recital. Nicholas Boettcher is Principal Double Bass of Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras‘ flagship orchestra, a senior at Naperville North High School, and founder of The No Repeats Project. Nicholas is joined by Sooka Wang on piano.
Nicholas Boettcher studies double bass with Andy Anderson and music with Sooka Wang. In addition to his CYSO role, he is an Associate Member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.
In 2021, Nicholas won the International Society of Bassists Performance Competition, the Louisiana Bass Fest, and the National Federation of Music Clubs Mary-Alice Cox Award. Past concerto competition wins include the DuPage Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artists Auditions; the Illinois American String Teachers Associations Competition; the NIU Sinfonia Concerto Competition; and the CYSO Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition.
Nicholas was also a finalist in the 2020 Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition, and soloed with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. He was named a National YoungArts Foundation Winner for 2020 and 2021.
In 8th grade, Nicholas created The No Repeats Project, a 501(c)(3) organization, where young musicians work with incarcerated teens to provide opportunities learn instruments and experience different musical genres. For his work, he was named the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice’s Volunteer of the Year for 2020. He has also received the 2020 President’s Volunteer Service Award, the Prudential Spirit of the Community Award, and School District 203’s Mission Makers Award. In addition to music, Nicholas enjoys a good steak.
Playlist
Johann Baptist Vanhal: Double Bass Concerto in E-Flat:
I. Allegro moderato
Johann Sebastian Bach: Cello Suite No. 6 in D, BWV 1012:
I. Prelude
II. Allemande
Vittorio Monti: Csárdás
Andrés Martín: Temperamental
