He is a cellist, sometimes nicknamed Rich, born to musical family in Dearborn, Michigan, who began studying the cello when he was five years old. He went on to study at the University of Michigan for his Bachelor of Music degree.
In 1976 Eugene Ormandy hired him as a member of The Philadelphia Orchestra and 9 years later, in 1985, was given the position of fourth chair.
His work as an orchestral musician has seen him performing as a member of the Dearborn Symphony, the Flint Symphony and as Assistant Principal Cello of the Toledo Symphony.
He has performed as a chamber musician at several recitals and as a member of the Chamber Society Orchestra of Philadelphia.
Recordings he can be heard on include Peter Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 “Pathetique”/Dumka by The Philadelphia Orchestra, Tchaikovsky, Bid, Vivaldi, Jacob by the Society Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and School of Music – Alumni Edition 1975 from the University of Michigan Records.
Sources:
- https://www.philorch.org/your-philorch/meet-your-orchestra/musicians/richard-harlow/
- https://www.saratogian.com/2015/08/14/five-questions-for-richard-harlow/
- https://music.metason.net/artistinfo?name=Richard%20Harlow
- https://www.inglis.org/about-us/galleries/photo-galleries/phila-orchestra-members-visit-inglis
- https://babcphl.com/2019/03/musical-adventure/
- http://www.warwickadvertiser.com/entertainment/chamber-music-celebrates-its-9th-season-YUWA20071102311029966
- https://www.discogs.com/it/artist/2705958-Richard-Harlow