Biography
At the age of eight, it was decided I should once again attempt an instrument. I defiantly turned down my old nemesis, the violin, and cheekily picked up the cello, solely so I could sit to play my instrument. My stubborn attitude broke down the second I plucked the “C” string (the lowest note on the cello.) I could feel the note vibrating in the floor, up through my feet, and into my stomach. I was in love, and the rest is history. I practised continuously for the next two years, so that by the age of 10, I entered the Juilliard School’s Pre-College Division, where I studied with Dr Minhye Clara Kim for the next eight years. I graduated Juilliard with a diploma and an award for my work and dedication to the school.
I did my undergraduate studies at Columbia University, where I double-majored in Anthropology and Italian Literature. During my time there, I studied with Clive Greensmith and Julia Lichten at the Manhattan School of Music. At Columbia, I met four impressively talented cellists, and together we formed String Theory, a five-piece cello ensemble. We arranged all of our own pieces, from covers of the Beatles, to Bach and Tchaikovsky. We became quite popular on campus, and spent our four years performing all over New York City, the tri-state area, and eventually even at Google’s annual Zeitgeist conference!
Upon graduating from Columbia, I came to the Royal Academy of Music to complete a master’s with Josephine Knight. There I formed a chamber music trio which still performs today. I have played for Anssi Kartunnen, Colin Carr, Gustav Rivinius, Raphael Wallfisch, Clive Greensmith, The Tokyo String Quartet, The Borromeo String Quartet and many more. I have performed in Canada, Romania, France, Austria, Germany, the United States and the United Kingdom.
I play as a tutti cellist in the Street Orchestra of London, and I teach cello at the Royal Academy of Music’s Junior Academy. I am also the co-founder of Scordatura Women’s Music Collective, whose mission is to promote and perform music written solely by female composers dating back to the 16th century, and encompassing world and contemporary music as well. I am also a recipient of the Pro Corda Leverhulme Fellowship, and I am so thrilled for their support.
When I’m not playing the cello I strive to maintain my health, both mental and physical, through meditation and exercise. I love to draw and watch the films of Hayao Miyazaki.
EDUCATION
Royal Academy of Music
London, UK
Columbia University
New York, USA
OTHER PROJECTS
Scordatura Women’s Music Collective
Street Orchestra of London
QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS
What do you love about classical music?
Probably my favourite thing about classical music is the infinitely wide emotional range which can be expressed through playing. I love that I can play music from any point in time and that it will have meaning to whoever might listen.
What do you do with your time when you’re not playing music?
In addition to being a Netflix connoisseur, I also have a talent for scouting out the best pastries in town.
Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us…
I box! With the gloves and the punches and all else that comes with it.