Bassist JOSEPH BONGIORNO graduated from the Juilliard School where he studied with Homer Mensch. Currently, he is assistant principal double bass of the New York City Opera Orchestra, as well as principal double bass of both the Brooklyn Philharmonic and the American Composers Orchestra. He has also served as principal bass with the Westchester Philharmonic, the American Symphony, American Ballet Theater and, this summer, the Spoleto Festival Orchestra for its production of Der Rosenkavalier. He has performed as guest artist with the Composers String Quartet, Steve Reich Ensemble, North Country Chamber Players and Bargemusic.