Sam Loeck

Sam Loeck was appointed Principal Bass of the National Arts Centre Orchestra in 2024. Before joining the NAC Orchestra, he spent eight years as Principal Bass of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Born and raised in Nebraska, Sam completed his undergraduate studies in mathematics and music performance at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He then earned a master’s from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he studied with Bruce Bransby and was named winner of the IU Bass Concerto Competition. Sam has performed extensively as Guest Principal Bass with the London Symphony Orchestra and been a substitute bass with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Oregon Symphony. He has also performed at several festivals, including the Aspen Music Festival, the Moritzburg Festival, the Pacific Music Festival, the Banff International String Quartet Festival, and ChamberFest West. When away from his instrument, Sam is an avid woodworker and enjoys solitude in the wilderness.