Cellist Catherine Choi, 17, is a senior at Monta Vista High School in Cupertino, CA. Catherine started the cello at age 8 and is currently studying with Jonathan Koh. Catherine is an avid chamber musician and is currently the cellist in the Irida Piano Quartet, which has been formed under the Young Chamber Musicians program. As a soloist, Catherine has won multiple awards, including first place in the Junior Bach Festival, U.S. Open Music Competition, United States International Music Competition, Music Teachers’ Association of California SF Branch VOCE Competition, Korea Times Youth Music Competition, and KAMSA Competition. She has also been a prizewinner in competitions including Music Teachers’ National Association Competition (MTNA), New York International Arts Association, Music Teachers’ Association of California VOCE Competition and finalist of the 2017 Mondavi Center National Young Artists Competition. Catherine has had the great privilege of performing in masterclasses with Anthony D. Elliott, Brinton Averil Smith, Angela Lee from the Lee Trio, Juilliard String Quartet, and Music@Menlo Festival Faculty. During the summer, Catherine enjoys learning more about music through participating in music festivals such as Montecito International Music Festival under Richard Naill, Meadowmount School of Music under Jonathan Koh, Center Stage Strings at the University of Michigan under Horacio Contreras and Anthony Elliot, Aspen Music Festival under Richard Aaron and 2019 Music@Menlo festival. Catherine also shares her passion for music by volunteering at AMASE, an organization that provides enriching education in music and arts for individuals with special needs.
Bohuslav Martinů: Variations on a Theme by Rossini
