Jonah Kim “Sprezzatura”

Critically acclaimed cellist Jonah Kim made his solo debut with Wolfgang Sawallisch and the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2003. The same year, he also appeared with the National Symphony Orchestra in DC where the Washington Post called him simply, “the next Yo-Yo Ma.” Mr. Kim graduated from the Juilliard School then the prestigious Curtis Institute in spring of 2006 while only 17 years old, and has soloed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, New Philharmonia, Symphony of the Americas, Orquestra Sinfônica Nacional and many others. He has performed recitals at the prestigious Phillips Collection, Kimmel Center, Kravis Center and the Kennedy Center where Anne Midgette of the Washington Post wrote, “[Kim] flirted with the line, shaped it, wrapped it around his fingers, pulled it out in a new dimension, all with practiced ease.”

Born in Seoul, Korea, Mr. Kim immigrated to the United States at the age of seven. His father, a pastor at a Korean Presbyterian Church in New York, introduced him to the cello. Despite having no formal musical training, he possessed a keen ear for music. By playing with VHS tapes of Pablo Casals play the Bach’s Solo Cello Suites, young Jonah learned strictly by imitation. Within the year, the seven year old was invited to the Juilliard School with full scholarship. He began his professional training at Juilliard, and learned to read music, but it was not until he played for Janos Starker the next summer that he became sure music was his calling. He was attending a New York City public school, learning to speak English, and adjusting to life in the United States. He and his father wrote to Janos Starker for advice. Starker’s invitation to play at his masterclass at Indiana University was pivotal, inspiring the young cellist to continue with renewed motivation. Starker later remarked, “Jonah is an exceptional talent. He is at the top of his generation.” Two years later, he was accepted to the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. During his six years there, he studied under Peter Wiley, Lynn Harrell, and Orlando Cole who praised him as, “one of the most accomplished cellists I have taught in my sixty five years on the Curtis faculty.”

Mr. Kim’s recordings and live performances can be heard on national and local radio and TV networks. He also records for popular artists and has collaborated live in concert with the Beach Boys, Andrea Bocelli, Mariah Carey, Cristian Castro, Vic Damone, Regis Philban and Kenny Rogers. He plays on a Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume and Tomaso Eberle generously on loan.

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