He is the strong, silent type.

You may recognize David Fay. He is tall, handsome, strong and silent.  He plays bass in the Philadelphia Orchestra. However on May 1, his mild-mannered exterior was shed as he received the C. Hartman Kuhn Award given annually to "the member of The Philadelphia Orchestra who has shown ability and enterprise of such character as to enhance the standards and the reputation of The Philadelphia Orchestra."  The selection is made by the music director each year and this year, Yannick Nézet-Séguin selected David Fay.

To further his surprise, David’s family came down from Ottawa and his wife, Pam, pulled it all off with complete secrecy! (A little deception and all!) The following day the Fays went up to New York City for the orchestra’s annual concert at Carnegie Hall followed by a special trip through Central Park with some orchestra donors and a meal at the newly renovated Tavern on the Green. 

Not that anyone who knows David would be surprised with this honor, but rather delighted and wishing him a hearty “congratulations!”