CYSO is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kenny Lee to lead our Philharmonic Orchestra. Lee comes to CYSO with an outstanding background as a conductor as well as a world-class cellist. In addition to leading one of our top orchestras, he will also join CYSO’s chamber music faculty.
“We are thrilled to announce Kenny as our new Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor,” said Music Director Allen Tinkham. “Kenny is an imaginative, collaborative, and sensitive musician, educator, and conductor who brings broad experience as a performing cellist and dynamic skills as a collegiate orchestra director. We look forward to welcoming Kenny to CYSO!”
In addition to his new role at CYSO, Lee serves as cello professor and orchestra director at Western Illinois University. Recent conducting highlights include collaborations with the Jerusalem Symphony, Moravská Filharmonie Olomouc, Lviv National Philharmonic, Midcoast Symphony Orchestra, Exeter Symphonia, and Gwinnett Chamber Orchestra, as well as many prestigious music festivals. As a cellist, Lee has appeared as a soloist with the Atlanta Sinfonia, Eastman Philharmonia, Jordan Winds, performing concerti by Dvorak, Haydn, and Gulda. He has recorded with Klavier Records and will soon release his debut CD of unaccompanied works. Lee is also the co-founder and artistic director of the Flatirons Chamber Music Festival, a non-profit organization based in Boulder, Colorado.
“I’m extremely thrilled to be joining the CYSO as the Philharmonic Orchestra conductor!” Lee said. “It is a huge honor to be a part of this organization and to get to work with incredible young musicians full of energy, passion, talent, and love for music. Can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea, grew up in Oregon, and began studying music at the age of 10. He has a Bachelors degree from the Eastman School of Music and his Masters and Doctorate degrees from the New England Conservatory. You can read his full bio or check out his personal website for more information.
We look forward to welcoming Kenny to rehearsals this fall!
