About AJ

Alexander Joe (“A.J.”) is a dynamic double bassist currently studying in the greater Washington DC area. 

 

Upon admission to the NSO Youth Fellowship Program at the Kennedy Center in 2022, A.J. continues his instruction under longtime mentor, Paul DeNola, while studying chamber music with Assistant Principal Bassist Richard Barber. A regular performer throughout the Mid-Atlantic, A.J. was a member of the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras from 2022 to 2024, and is seen frequently throughout both the Northern Virginia Regional and All-Virginia orchestras.

 

A.J. has performed in masterclasses for notable artists including Robert Oppelt, Ira Gold, Caroline Emery, Andrés Martín, and Dr. Sam Suggs, amongst others. In 2025, he performed as a featured soloist at the VMEA Directors’ Conference in Norfolk, VA. AJ spends his summers performing in the NSO Summer Music Institute Orchestra, and has performed at notable venues including The John F. Kennedy Center, The Kimmel Cultural Campus, The Anthem, and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

 

In the 2025-2026 year, A.J. continues his regular performances at the Kennedy Center whilst auditioning for conservatories both in the U.S. and across the globe.

 

A.J. performs on a reproduction of a beautiful 1620 Giovanni Paolo Maggini instrument, crafted in the spring of 2025 by the Virginia-based luthier Thomas Andres Wolf.