Curtis Appoints Four New Faculty Members for 2024–25

Three cellists and one clarinetist will be joining the school's faculty this coming fall

The Curtis Institute of Music has announced its newest faculty members: alumni cellists Nicholas Canellakis, Yumi Kendall, Christine Jeonghyoun Lee, and clarinetist YaoGuang Zhai.

In the clarinet department, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra principal clarinet YaoGuang Zhai will join current faculty member Anthony McGill, the school’s William R. and Hyunah Yu Brody Distinguished Chair and principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic.

“It is truly an honor to return to Curtis as a member of the clarinet faculty, and especially to collaborate with such an exceptional musician as Anthony McGill,” says Mr. Zhai. “I am both moved and motivated by this unique opportunity to guide and help shape future generations of clarinetists at such a prestigious institution. As Curtis celebrates its 100th anniversary it is exciting and at the same time humbling to be able to contribute to this rich legacy and tradition of excellence.”

Soloist, chamber musician, and multifaceted artist Nicholas Canellakis graduated from Curist in 2006, The Philadelphia Orchestra assistant principal Yumi Kendall graduated in 2004, and Boston Symphony Orchestra member Christine Jeonghyoun Lee finished her studies at Curtis in 2013.

In the cello department, Canellakis, Kendall, and Lee will join current faculty members Gary Hoffman — the Nina and Billy Albert Chair in Cello Studies — and Peter Wiley — the Bruce Jay Gould, M.D. Chair, in honor of Orlando Cole. With the addition of Mr. Canellakis, Ms. Kendall, and Ms. Lee, the cello department will operate on a more collaborative studio model, enabling students to benefit from each teacher’s unique expertise and perspective.

“I am thrilled to return to Curtis, a place that has profoundly shaped my musical journey,” says Ms. Lee. “Curtis is not just where my musical foundation was built; it is a treasured home of both tradition and exploration. This esteemed school has long been a beacon of excellence in music education, and I am excited to contribute to its rich legacy. I look forward to working with the talented students and collaborating with my distinguished colleagues and mentors, sharing my passion and fostering an environment of creativity and artistic growth.”

To read more about the new faculty members, click here.