He is a double bass player born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who studied at Temple University and the Curtis Institute of Music.
In 1980 he became a section bass member of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and remained there for 7 years until he was given a position in The Philadelphia Orchestra in 1987 He has also performed as a chamber musician and soloist. He retired from The Philadelphia Orchestra in 2020.
Recordings he has performed on include Peter Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 “Pathetique”/Dumka by The Philadelphia Orchestra.
In the field of musical education he has been on the faculties of the Peabody Conservatory and Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University.
Sources:
- https://www.philorch.org/your-philorch/meet-your-orchestra/musicians/robert-kesselman/
- https://slippedisc.com/2020/08/eight-musicians-retire-at-the-philadelphia-orchestra/
- http://rufusreid.com/2014/05/philadelphia-orchestra-playin-for-double-bass/
- https://boyer.temple.edu/about/faculty-staff/robert-kesselman-406
- https://www.discogs.com/artist/4625602-Robert-Kesselman