Boston Symphony Orchestra Announces Three New Cellists

Young cellists Roric Cunningham, Jonah Ellsworth, and Christine Lee will all join the BSO

The cello section of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has recently seen some personnel changes, with three new players joining the orchestra's ranks. They are Roric Cunningham, Jonah Ellsworth, and Christine Lee. Ellsworth played his first concert with the orchestra in February of 2023, while Cunningham and Lee will begin their tenure on August 18. 

A native of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Jonah Ellsworth studied at the New England Conservatory and the Yale School of Music. He has already performed with the BSO as a soloist, having won the orchestra's concerto competition in 2010. Alongside Irina Muresanu and Heng-Jin Park, Ellsworth is also a member of the Boston Trio.

Roric Cunningham will receive his bachelor's degree from The Juilliard School in 2023. He was the winner of the Portsmouth Symphony and Lakes Region Symphony competitions in 2017 and appeared with both orchestras as a soloist. He has also performed with the New Hampshire Philharmonic, and as a member of the National Youth Orchestra, he toured many major European and Asian cities.

Korean-American Christine Lee made her solo debut with the Seoul Philharmonic at the age of nine. The next year, she began studying at the Curtis Institute. Having completed her bachelor's degree there, she also then studied at The Juilliard School and the Royal Academy of Music. Lee was a laureate at the Queen Elisabeth Competition and the winner of the International Isang Yun Competition.

"I have been coming to Boston Symphony concerts since I was a little boy, so to be playing on Symphony Hall stage on a weekly basis is a dream come true," Ellsworth said. "It is such an honor to be sharing the stage with such committed and beautiful musicians!"

"I’m so thrilled and overjoyed to be joining the Boston Symphony this fall!" said Cunningham. "Since I grew up an hour away from Boston and had been to several concerts, the BSO has always been my dream job. I’m so excited to be pursuing my dream as my career and to be making music in Boston with amazing musicians for years to come!"

"I am thrilled to join the Boston Symphony Orchestra and be part of such a dedicated and committed group of musicians," added Lee. "The orchestra's commitment to making music at the highest level is truly invigorating, and I am eager to contribute to this exceptional standard of excellence. I feel fortunate to have an extended musical family and am excited to grow and challenge myself as a musician and a person."