A Florida native, Ryan Sujdak joined The Florida Orchestra as principal bass in the fall of 2023. Growing up in Gainesville, Ryan began playing the double bass at age 16 under the guidance of Terry Plumeri. He went on to earn degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, the Yale School of Music and the Colburn School, where his primary teachers included Timothy Cobb, Don Palma and Peter Lloyd. 

In both orchestral and chamber settings alike, he has performed with the Verbier Festival Orchestra, National Repertory Orchestra, Sarasota Music Festival, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and the Shattered Glass Ensemble at the prestigious Schneider Chamber Concert Series.

A passionate educator, Ryan has maintained private studios in Florida, New York City and Connecticut. As a member of the Yale Music in Schools Initiative, he taught students in New Haven public schools while also serving as a private instructor for Yale undergraduate students and a teaching assistant for graduate theory and ear training.

When not making music, you can find Ryan running, playing board games and practicing martial arts.

Photo by Toby Winarto