Acclaimed for his musicality and virtuosity, Volkan Orhon has established himself as one of the top double bassists in the world today. He was a finalist and prize winner in the Concert Artists Guild Solo Competition in New York City, and was the co-first place winner of the International Society of Bassists Solo Competition. Additionally, he distinguished himself as the first double bass player ever to win the grand prize overall and first prize for double bass at the American String Teacher's Association Solo Competition. He was recently a featured soloist at the Polish World Bass Festival, performing the Bottesini Concerto No. 2 with the Academy Orchestra under the direction of Franco Petracchi. Born and raised in Turkey, Mr. Orhon began playing the double bass at the age of 12, and spent much of his youth touring Europe with the Mediterranean Youth Soloists. Orhon is currently the assistant professor of double bass at The University of Iowa and principal double bass in the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra.