Nicholas De Laurentis is thrilled to join the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for their 2026-27 season. Originally from Agoura Hills, California, he studied at DePaul University with Alex Hanna and went on to receive his master’s degree from Northwestern University, studying with Andrew Raciti. While in school, he spent three seasons as a regular member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Passionate about contemporary music, De Laurentis was also a member of the Lucerne Festival Contemporary Orchestra in the summers of 2023 and 2024, performing numerous premieres and contemporary masterpieces with the ensemble.

In addition to performing as a substitute musician with the MSO for the past 5 seasons, De Laurentis has also been a regular member of several professional orchestras, including principal bass of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, assistant principal and acting principal of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, assistant principal bass of the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, and, formerly, associate principal bass of the West Michigan Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, most recently on their 2026 production of Salome.

When not in the practice room, he enjoys playing in rock bands with friends, writing songs, running, and spending time with his orange cat, Zoink.