Player Bios
Volkan Orhon, Principal Bass 
Joined Orchestra: 2002
Education: Hartt School of Music
Hobbies: Woodworking and taking flying lessons
Favorite piece of music: Rachmaninoff’s 2nd piano concerto
Home: Iowa City
Acclaimed for his musicality and virtuosity, Volkan Orhon has established himself as one of the top double bassists in the world today. He was a finalist and prizewinner in the Concert Artists Guild Solo Competition in New York City, and was the co-first place winner of the International Society of Bassists Solo Competition. Additionally, he distinguished himself as the first double bass player ever to win the grand prize overall and first prize for double bass at the American String Teacher’s Association Solo Competition.
Born and raised in Turkey, Mr. Orhon began playing the double bass at the age of 12, and spent much of his youth touring Europe with the Mediterranean Youth Soloists. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from the Ankara State Conservatory under the tutelage of Tahir Sumer, he became a member of the Ankara Presidential Symphony Orchestra. In 1991, Mr. Orhon came to the United States to continue his studies with Gary Karr at The Hartt School of Music, where he earned an Artist Diploma and Master of Music.
Mr. Orhon has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and clinician around the world. He has served on the faculties of the University of Connecticut, Central Connecticut State University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, The Hartt School Community Division of the University of Hartford, Kinhaven Music School (VT) and Summer Strings Music Festival in Pocatello, Idaho. He is currently the associate professor of double bass at The University of Iowa and is a D’Addario Diamond Performing Artist.
www.volkanbass.com
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Jane Walker, Principal Flute 
Joined Orchestra: 1973
Education: University of Iowa
Hobbies: Knitting, gardening and kayaking
Favorite piece of music: Bach Goldberg Variations
Home: Iowa City
David Hempel, Principal Oboe
Joined Orchestra: 1975
Education: University of Iowa
Hobbies: Reading, listening to the radio (especially NPR), dog-walking and kayaking
Favorite piece of music: Mozart Symphony No.35 (Haffner) and Mahler's 9th Symphony
Home: Iowa City
Husband and wife musicians, Jane Walker and David Hempel have been performing side-by-side with the orchestra for the past 35 years. Jane and David first met at the Cedar Rapids Symphony principal oboe auditions in 1975. David won the job and the two immediately became friends and colleagues in the orchestra.
When not performing with the orchestra, Jane and David enjoy taking walks together in interesting neighborhoods and parks. Other favorite pastimes they share include kayaking and just sitting by the lake, reading and watching the eagles, herons and other wildlife.
Among the many accomplishments in her career, Jane was flutist in the Center for New Music, a reputable contemporary music group at the University of Iowa for 20 years. David has been the owner/manager of Eble Music Company since 1989. He truly enjoys his work, especially meeting new musicians, encountering new music and helping his customers find the music they’re looking for.