Franklin Niño was born in Caracas and started playing the cello at the age of 10 in the Youth National Orchestra Program in Venezuela. Prior to coming to the United States he was member of the Venezuela Symphony Orchestra and principal cello of the Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho Symphony Orchestra. He also has had an extensive career as a chamber musician playing with Divertimento, Academico de Venezuela, Assai and Armando Reveron String Quartets, with good concert reviews. Franklin was coach, teacher and conductor for the many national youth symphony orchestras, as well as cello professor for the Emil Friedman Music Conservatory and held a private studio. He has performed Master Classes for Franz Helmerson (Sweden), Stefan Popov (Russia), Ivan Monighetti (Russia), Marta Gulyas (Hungary), Francis Gouton (Belgium) among others.
Former Cello Mentor for the Grater Erie Youth Symphony he currently teaches cello at Noteworthy Music and Johnstonbaugh’s in Gibsonia. Former member of Johnstown and Butler Symphonies, he plays for the Ohio Valley and River Cities Symphonies. He is frequently invited for the West Virginia Symphony. Member of the Fauré String Trio, he received his Artist Diploma degree from Duquesne University, where he studied with Misha Quint and Anne M. Williams, principal cello of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
