Rob Aldridge

Double Bass

Rob Aldridge has been a tenured member of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra’s Double Bass section since 2008. His education includes a master’s degree from Yale University, a bachelors’ degree from McGill University, an orchestral training certificate from University of Ottawa, a diploma from Grant MacEwan, and summers spent in Banff, Marrowstone, Domaine Forget, and with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada.

A versatile musician, he has performed as a soloist with the Alberta Baroque ensemble, in solo recitals, with jazz trios, rock bands, funk and blues bands, big bands, chamber groups and full orchestra.

Rob has performed on many different stages over the years, from the flat bed of a truck at a music festival, all the way to Carnegie Hall. In Yellowknife, he performed in a basement bar (The Cave) for five weeks BESIDE the stage, as his double bass was too tall for the venue. He has performed in the U.S., various countries in Europe, Asia, and many provinces in Canada.

In 2013, Rob became a licensed Realtor® and after selling over 50 homes in 2014, he realized some changes were needed in order to balance two demanding careers. His passion for orchestral repertoire and playing with a bass section won the day. It is rare to see him playing outside of the ESO nowadays – you're more likely to see him showing a house to one of his amazing clients.

When he’s not working with the orchestra or selling real estate, he spends time with his wonderful wife Joanne Yu, a cellist and elementary school music teacher. Together, they enjoy travel, good food, fun people, and entertainment.

Rob knows he is lucky to make music as a passion and a profession. He is eternally grateful to all of his teachers and mentors over the years. As a young boy who watched the ESO musicians from the crowd with great admiration, he hopes to encourage anyone in our audience to follow their passion at any age.