In addition to serving as cellist of the internationally renowned new music ensemble eighth blackbird, Nicholas Photinos has performed recitals throughout California and the Midwest and has appeared with orchestras in California and Ohio, including the world premiere of the Cello Concerto in D Minor by Grace Vamos. He has toured with Björk as part of the Icelandic String Octet and performed as a member of the Canton and Columbus Symphony Orchestras. His interest in jazz had led him to perform with several jazz artists, including Chicago violinist Zach Brock and vocalist Grazyna Auguscik. His principal teachers include Hans Jorgen-Jensen, Lee Fiser, Andor Toth, Jr., Irene Sharp and Grace Vamos. Nicholas Photinos is a graduate of Northwestern University, the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. His interests include reading, cooking, cycling, and beer brewing.