Biography

Composer and cellist Nancy Ives is a musical icon, having “built a career of such spectacular diversity that no summation will do her achievements justice.” (Artslandia) Deemed a “local treasure,” (Portland Mercury) Ives offers both depth and approachability with music inspired by the natural world, effortlessly reflecting an Oregonian approach to life. “Modernistic but melodic and compelling… [with] a refreshing musical breadth” her music communicates “a uniquely personal voice.” (Oregon ArtsWatch)

A relative of the legendary composer Charles Ives, she carries on the tradition of her namesake with modern relevance. Her eloquent and enduring music has been featured in performances by Fear No Music, Friends of Rain, Portland Cello Project, Siletz Bay Music Festival, Oregon Bach Festival and OBF Composers Symposium as well as broadcasts on All Classical Portland and KBBI (Alaska). Ives’ range of projects include work with indigenous artists to authentically amplify and relay their stories to wider audiences.

Ives is a gracious and essential cornerstone of Portland musical life. With more than 20 years as Principal Cellist of the Oregon Symphony, she’s also a member of the Palatine Piano Trio, Rose City Trio, and Fear No Music. She’s appeared with Chamber Music Northwest, Third Angle, Portland Piano International, the Oregon Bach Festival, Portland Cello Project, 45th Parallel Universe, and as soloist with the Oregon Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, Portland Columbia Symphony, Clark College Orchestra, and Cascade Festival of Music, “demonstrating with attentive grace that technically challenging and sonically difficult music can still be beautiful.” (Oregon ArtsWatch) A regular performer on All Classical Portland’s Thursdays @ Three, Ives was also the “Cellist in Residence” on OPB’s State of Wonder.

With a DMA from the Manhattan School of Music, Ives is Instructor of Chamber Music at Lewis & Clark College and serves on the Board of Directors for All Classical Portland.