About David

David Cooper is recognized as one of the best horn players of his generation, known for his lyrical phrasing and exceptional technique. He was appointed Associate Principal Horn of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in June 2023 by Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel.

Cooper's orchestral career began as Acting Principal Horn with the Victoria Symphony and Co-Associate Principal Horn of the Fort Worth Symphony. He then served as Principal Horn of the Dallas Symphony (joining as Third Horn in 2011 and becoming Principal Horn in 2013), Solo Horn of the Berlin Philharmonic, and Principal Horn of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He has won Principal Horn positions with the National Symphony Orchestra (2013) and the San Francisco Symphony (2023), and has been Guest Principal Horn with numerous orchestras worldwide, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Baltimore Symphony, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Liceu Opera in Barcelona and London Symphony Orchestra. He also recently joined the Oslo Philharmonic on its 2024 European Tour as Principal Horn under Chief Conductor Klaus Mäkelä.

Cooper maintains an active schedule as an international soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, and festival orchestra performer. He has also participated in motion picture soundtracks, including the recent Moana 2.

Dedicated to inspiring and cultivating the next generation of musicians, Cooper coaches and presents masterclasses internationally. He founded Horns for Hope, Inc., a non-profit supporting young musicians in underserved communities, and served as Artist Faculty at Roosevelt University and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.

Born in Lansing, Michigan, into a musical family, Cooper began horn studies with Dr. Dale Bartlett and joined the Michigan State University Orchestra while in high school. He received his Bachelor’s degree from The Curtis Institute of Music, where he received a Tanglewood Fellowship, and spent three summers at Marlboro Music Festival. His primary instructors are Jerome Ashby and Eric Ruske.

Cooper's discography includes the album “Berkeley, Brahms, Leshnoff: Horn Trios” with violinist Alexander Kerr and pianist Orion Weiss, and two solo albums, “Impressions” and “A French Horn and Piano Collaboration” with pianist Cary Chow. These are available on all streaming platforms.