A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Daren is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester and the College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in viola performance and literature, and doctoral studies in violin and viola performance. Daren’s professors included Martha Strongin Katz, founding member of the Cleveland Quartet, and Masao Kawasaki, professor of violin and viola at The Juilliard School and University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music.
Daren’s performance career includes current positions with the Eugene Symphony (OR), Redlands Symphony (CA), co-principal for Sinfonia Gulf Coast (FL). As a freelance recording artist Daren’s work can be heard on the soundtrack for “Searching” by Sony Pictures, and on soundtracks recorded at Capitol Records Studios Los Angeles for video games “Fortnite: Season 7” and “The Long Dark” by composer Chris Velasco as well as various episodes for Days of Our Lives. In 2016 and 2018 Daren and his string quartet from Pro Art Music appeared, performed and recorded on two wedding episodes shot at the Bel Air Bay Club, Santa Monica and at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, Dana Point, CA for Larry David’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” on HBO. Active in the LA recording scene, Daren continues to serve as principal viola and records for special projects for an LA music contractor, and for the Deadline Hollywood Orchestra for Sound and Screen events.
In the past Daren has served as an auxiliary violist for the Cincinnati Symphony, Pops and Opera orchestras; Columbus Symphony Orchestra in both the violin and viola sections for 15 years; Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra; and as assistant principal and principal violist of Fundacion Sinfonia under the direction of Philippe Entremont, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic since 1999. In the past Daren has performed with the Grand Teton Music Festival under former music director Eiji Oue; the Lancaster Music Festival, Lancaster, OH; the Heidelberg Festival, Heidelberg, Germany; and as a concerto soloist under harpsichordist and director Eiji Hashimoto with the 18th Century Music Ensemble in Luca and Florence, Italy.
In addition to his musical life, Daren is an alpine ski instructor in the Ski and Ride School at Crystal Mountain Resort and can be found carving turns on winter weekends.
Beginning, intermediate, and advanced students of all ages are welcome.