Born and raised in Alaska, cellist Ira Glansbeek moved to Southern California in 1998. Currently he freelances in the Los Angeles area and has performed with Los Angeles Opera, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Pasadena Symphony, Santa Barbara Symphony, Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra, and Long Beach Symphony, among others.

An avid chamber musician, Mr. Glansbeek has worked and performed with members of the St. Petersburg, Lyris, Calder, Peterson and Manhattan string quartets. He has also performed and recorded with artists such as Placido Domingo, John Williams, Audra McDonald, Stevie Wonder, Barry Manilow, Peter Gabriel, Josh Groban, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, and has been seen on the American Music Awards, America’s Got Talent, The Ellen Show, and The Tonight Show.

Mr. Glansbeek is active in L.A.’s recording scene, having played on numerous motion-picture soundtracks and albums. From 2011 to 2013, Ira was the cellist for the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary National Tour, performing over 600 shows in 62 cities. Currently he holds the Barbara H. Burger Chair in the cello section of the Santa Barbara Symphony Orchestra.