I am Gwynn Lewis, and I love the cello! Thanks to this wonderful instrument, I’ve had the joy of fulfilling one of my lifelong dreams: playing in an orchestra. I feel incredibly fortunate to be a member of the Palisades Symphony.

My journey in music, however, began long before the cello entered my life. At the age of five, I began studying piano—a passion I have continued ever since. It wasn’t until I turned 65 that I began my adventure with the cello, embracing it with great enthusiasm.

In addition to performing with the Palisades Symphony, I also play cello—and occasionally piano—with a chamber group called The Music Family. Together, we volunteer our time performing at veterans’ hospitals, rehabilitation centers, care facilities, and retirement homes. Bringing music to these communities is a source of great joy for both us and our audiences.

I was born and raised in Manhattan Beach, California, and I earned my Ph.D. in the Philosophy of Education from UCLA. My professional career was devoted to teaching English at Santa Monica College, as well as teaching English as a Second Language for adult education programs in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills Unified School Districts.