Franklin Keel, cello, is an Asheville, North Carolina, native who began playing the cello at the age of six. After winning Principal Cello in the Asheville Youth Orchestra, he earned a scholarship to the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
Upon graduation, he returned to Asheville and resumed his post in the Asheville Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Keel co-founded the Opal String Quartet, a group that has become active across Western North Carolina both as performers and as educators. He is currently the Principal Cello in the Asheville Symphony Orchestra.
An exacting musician, Mr. Keel is a vibrant master of his instrument with an exquisite quality of sound and stunning technique.
