Ervin Klinkon received his musical training at the Musik Hochschule in Freiburg, Germany (Atis Teichmanis, Maurice Gendron), and at the Mannes College of Music in New York City (Lieff Rosanoff). He earned his Master of Music Degree from the Catholic University in Washington, D.C.  Ervin has performed as cello soloist and with various chamber ensembles in Europe and in the United States.  His orchestral playing career includes the  orchestras in Houston, Texas, and in Washington, D.C. (National Gallery, Kennedy Center Opera House, National Symphony).  Ervin taught cello at various universities in the D.C. area and served as chairman of the music department at Montgomery College. He also conducted the Montgomery College Symphony Orchestra for twenty years.  Since he moved to Santa Barbara, he continues to lead an active musical life, performing chamber music with various ensembles, teaching the cello and coaching chamber music groups.

Ervin fondly remembers some of the highlights that influenced and shaped his career: being a  member of the premier Youth String Quartet in Germany; performing for the first time the Dvorak Concerto for cello in New York; successfully auditioning and performing under maestro Leopold Stokowski; participating in the world premiere of “Mass” by Leonard Bernstein for the opening of the Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts; performing for several presidents at the White House; finding and being inspired by the sound of his beloved cello.