Praised for her “expert technical work” (The Strad), cellist Amanda Gookin "pushes Classical forward" (LA Times) and champions the future of music through the creation and bold performance of new works, and a dedication to education, culture, and community engagement. Her initiative Forward Music Project, “a premier example of feminist advocacy done right” (I Care If You Listen), commissions new multimedia works for solo cello that elevate stories of feminine empowerment through raw performances and educational initiatives. Amanda was the founder and decade-long cellist of the contemporary improvising string quartet, PUBLIQuartet. Amanda initiated PQ’s composer program, PUBLIQ Access, to commission works by emerging composers who significantly impact a new approach to writing for string quartet. Designing and leading courses on social leadership, music history, and improvisation, her work has reinvigorated the core curriculum at The New School College of Performing Arts and SUNY Purchase. Amanda is a sought-after public speaker on the intersections of activism and music and has made appearances on TEDxMidAtlantic, Houston Public Media, Second Inversion, and I Care If You Listen. She currently serves as Executive Director of the MATA Festival in New York City and the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival in Virginia. When not behind the cello, Amanda can be found riding horses, taking ridiculous photos of her pets in costumes, learning to make pottery, and hiking any trail she can find. She is the proud player of a cello made by David Wiebe in Woodstock, NY.