Presented by the Emerson/Harris Program for Private Study Solo Recital Series
Program
Livestream: https://mta.mit.edu/viewlisten/live-killian-hall
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About the Performers
Because Valerie K. Chen (EECS ’22, EECS MEng ’23) always dreamed of uniting the cellists, she started MIT’s first cello club, CelloWorld();, which encompasses the cello ensemble Cello++ (abbreviated as C++). In addition to also founding an MIT video performance series highlighting Black artists titled Music Unites: Songs for Equity (MUSE) Project, the 2022 Louis Sudler Prize winner has appeared as Concerto Competition winner with the MIT Symphony Orchestra (MITSO) and performed in MITSO, the MIT Chamber Music Society, MIT Emerson/Harris Program, and MIT pop-up music series Sharing Notes.
A winner of concerto competitions and chamber music awards alike outside of MIT, Valerie has additionally performed as principal cellist of local, California All-State, and All-National honor orchestras. She is immensely grateful to her teachers Joyce Geeting, Maureen Hynes, Clive Greensmith, Kee-Hyun Kim, and Christine Lamprea.
Valerie is currently pursuing her PhD in collaborative robotics advised by Prof. Julie Shah. Her goal in both research and music is to improve lives through the small interactions, which naturally compels her to share music jokes—no matter how minor the opportune-ity.
Seolyeong Jeong debuted solo at Kumho Art Hall in Seoul at age thirteen. She has performed internationally in various concert halls including the Carnegie Hall, Morse Recital Hall, Stude Concert Hall, and Seoul Arts Center. She won top prizes in various competitions, including the American Virtuoso International Music Competition, Young Texas Artists Music Competition and Connecticut Young Artist Competition. Seolyeong graduated summa cum laude from Seoul National University, received two master's degrees from Yale University, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at Rice University while working as an Affiliated Artist at MIT Music and Theater Arts.
About the Emerson/Harris Program for Private Study
Funded by the late Mr. Cherry L. Emerson, Jr. (SM, 1941) in response to an appeal from Associate Provost Ellen T. Harris (Class of 1949 Professor Emeritus of Music), the Emerson/Harris Program offers merit-based financial awards for private study in music to students of outstanding achievement on their instruments in classical, jazz or world music. Each academic year, the Emerson/Harris Program awards Scholarships and Fellowships to nearly fifty students who commit to a full year’s study and participate in the musical life of MIT. Private teacher selections, made in consultation with the music faculty, may include instructors from MIT staff and throughout Greater Boston.
