Born and raised in upstate New York, David Chickering (Chick) began his musical studies on the piano at the age of 5. The cello was added a few years later after a brief and embarrassing stint with the baritone horn.

After completing a performance degree at Northwestern University and prior to his appointment to the NZSO, David was a member of several orchestras worldwide including those in Milwaukee, Syracuse, Chicago, Santa Fe, San Jose (Costa Rica) and Auckland.

But his first orchestra was the Little Falls Symphony where, at the age of 12, he would help the conductor, Leon Dussault, set up the chairs and stands before each Monday night rehearsal.

Originally Section Principal Cello of the NZSO and paired with the legendary Allan Chisholm, he has
been steadily making his way towards the back.