Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Cellist Tommy Mesa's love of music began with his interest in playing drums. Selecting orchestra class in middle school, he learned violin before picking up the cello. Performing works by Ernesto Lecuona and Debussy on his 1767 cello made by Nicolò Gagliano, Mesa celebrates both his Cuban and French heritage. Now a faculty member at the Manhattan School of Music, the musician plans to build his own studio.
Chapters:
0:00 TAKING NOTE
0:28 Getting the call…
1:04 Accidental cellist
1:48 Selecting a fine instrument
3:26 Celebrating heritage
4:20 Debussy’s Sonata in D Minor
6:45 Adapting Ernesto Lecuona
8:02 A love of teaching
8:46 “Malagueña” by Ernesto Lecuona
Please like & subscribe now if you enjoyed: youtube.com/channel/UCZri-Y6aBcTFrxYMF_ghXQA
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Please support your local PBS station: pbs.org/donate
Watch full episodes and more: pbs.org/greatperformances
Facebook: facebook.com/greatperformances
Twitter: twitter.com/gperfpbs
Newsletter: pbs.org/wnet/gperf/newsletter
#GreatPerformancesPBS
-----------------
The only continuing primetime performance showcase on American television, Great Performances presents a diverse programming portfolio of classical music, opera, popular song, musical theater, dance, drama, and performance documentaries. With its programs garnering 67 Emmy Awards and six George Foster Peabody Awards, the series has received every major television honor.
Regardless of geographic or economic limitations, Great Performances ensures its audiences “the best seats in the house” with a roster of artists and performing arts companies that represent a “Who’s Who” of excellence and virtuosity in the international performing arts.
Cellist Tommy Mesa's love of music began with his interest in playing drums. Selecting orchestra class in middle school, he learned violin before picking up the cello. Performing works by Ernesto Lecuona and Debussy on his 1767 cello made by Nicolò Gagliano, Mesa celebrates both his Cuban and French heritage. Now a faculty member at the Manhattan School of Music, the musician plans to build his own studio.
Chapters:
0:00 TAKING NOTE
0:28 Getting the call…
1:04 Accidental cellist
1:48 Selecting a fine instrument
3:26 Celebrating heritage
4:20 Debussy’s Sonata in D Minor
6:45 Adapting Ernesto Lecuona
8:02 A love of teaching
8:46 “Malagueña” by Ernesto Lecuona
Please like & subscribe now if you enjoyed: youtube.com/channel/UCZri-Y6aBcTFrxYMF_ghXQA
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Please support your local PBS station: pbs.org/donate
Watch full episodes and more: pbs.org/greatperformances
Facebook: facebook.com/greatperformances
Twitter: twitter.com/gperfpbs
Newsletter: pbs.org/wnet/gperf/newsletter
#GreatPerformancesPBS
-----------------
The only continuing primetime performance showcase on American television, Great Performances presents a diverse programming portfolio of classical music, opera, popular song, musical theater, dance, drama, and performance documentaries. With its programs garnering 67 Emmy Awards and six George Foster Peabody Awards, the series has received every major television honor.
Regardless of geographic or economic limitations, Great Performances ensures its audiences “the best seats in the house” with a roster of artists and performing arts companies that represent a “Who’s Who” of excellence and virtuosity in the international performing arts.
