Sam Loeck joined the Calgary Philharmonic as Principal Bass in 2016. A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, Sam earned his Bachelor’s Degree in music performance from the University of Nebraska. He then earned a Master’s degree from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he studied with Bruce Bransby and was named winner of the IU Bass Concerto Competition. Sam has participated in numerous music festivals, including the Aspen Music Festival, Moritzburg Festival, Pacific Music Festival, and the Banff Centre International String Quartet Festival. He has performed extensively as guest-Principal Bass with the London Symphony Orchestra (UK), and served as a substitute bass with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Oregon Symphony.
Sam performs on a beautiful bass made in 2014 by Aaron Reiley. When he’s away from the instrument, Sam is an avid woodworker and enjoys solitude in the mountains.