Downey Symphony soloist wins job with L.A. Phil

David Riccobono, right, performs at the Downey Syphony’’s April 2022 concert. Riccobono was recently selected to join the Los Angeles Philharmonic. (Photo by David Whalen, courtesy Downey Symphony)

DOWNEY – Downey Symphony goers knew they were hearing something special at the April concert when David Riccobono played a lightning-fast marimba solo for Bach’s Concerto for Harpsicord in D Minor.

In July, the Los Angeles Philharmonic announced that David had won the open auditions for the new position of “Assistant Principal Timpani / Section Percussion” player. 

What is noteworthy about this hire is that it’s additional headcount for the orchestra and not replacing any current player. No one can remember the last time the LA Phil added seats to its roster. 

“I’ve been a big fan of David’s playing,” said Sharon Lavery, Music Director of the Downey Symphonic Society, “from the very first time I heard him at USC Thornton about five years ago. We hired him in the percussion section of the Downey Symphony while he was a student.  After working with David, just a few times, I was 100% certain he was going to win the job. Sometimes I just know.”

“I’m always looking for good talent to bring to Downey,” added Sharon. “I overheard his Bach duet with his marimba partner, Soojin Kim, and I was instantly sold. I approached them both that very same day for our spring concert and the rest, as they say, is history.”

Just six weeks ago, the Huntington Beach native and principal percussionist with the Long Beach Symphony, also won the audition for a comparable position at the St. Louis Symphony, but now it looks like he’ll be staying in Southern California.