About the NCCP Players
Kendall Betts
Horn
J. Kendall and Eva W. Betts Memorial Chair
One of America’s most highly regarded hornists, Kendall Betts has enjoyed a distinguished and varied career. Born in Philadelphia in 1947, he began piano studies at age 6 and horn lessons at 11. Betts is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy and earned his Bachelor of Music in 1969 at the Curtis Institute of Music.
Beginning his professional career at age 17 while a student in Philadelphia, Betts performed as principal horn with most of the major musical organizations of the area as well as a substitute and extra horn player with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Upon graduation from Curtis, he was engaged as Associate Principal Horn of the Pittsburgh Symphony. One year later, he was appointed by Eugene Ormandy to the Philadelphia Orchestra, becoming the youngest musician to join that organization since his teacher, Mason Jones, had joined in 1938.
After a five-year tenure, Betts resigned to pursue a freelance career. He immediately became one of the most sought-after musicians in the country. He performed as principal horn with many organizations, including American Ballet Theater and the Brooklyn Philharmonic. Betts was also very active in the chamber music and commercial fields, participating at major music festivals, concert series and both New York and Los Angeles film, television and recording studios. Betts then served as principal horn of the Minnesota Orchestra from 1979 to 2004. He is also well known as a soloist and recitalist in the US and abroad.
A committed educator, Betts has served on the faculties of Duquesne University, Temple University, Pennsylvania College of Performing Arts, New School of Music, Swarthmore College, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the University of Minnesota. In 1995, he founded the Kendall Betts Horn Camp in Lyman, NH, a unique annual seminar and retreat for hornists of all ages, abilities and accomplishments.
Kendall now resides full time in Sugar Hill. He is focusing his efforts on the North Country Chamber Players, with whom he has been affiliated since their inception, expanding his solo repertoire and performance opportunities and his educational activities. Betts has joined the University of New Hampshire faculty as an adjuct professor of music.