Play It Forward – Kristen Kim
Meet Kristen Kim, a cellist and one of All Classical Radio’s 2025-2026 Young Artist Ambassadors. We asked Kristen for music selections that stood out to her and that she felt connected to. Here are her pieces.
Dvořák: Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104
This concerto was the first solo work that I truly felt I understood on a deep, emotional level. Performing it with an orchestra was one of the most inspiring moments of my musical journey, and it gave me the motivation and confidence to push myself further as a cellist. There’s something incredibly powerful about the way Dvořák blends lyrical beauty with raw intensity, and it allows me to truly immerse myself in the piece.
Jörg Widmann: 5 Albumblätter
This piece, originally written for the Queen Elisabeth Competition, is an homage to Robert Schumann. It’s one of the few contemporary solo works I’ve played, and I find it very charming and lyrical, especially the fourth movement, “Bossa Nova für Clara und Robert,” which incorporates a playful, jazzy character. I think this work demonstrates how classical music can intertwine with modern influences, creating something that feels both timeless and fresh.
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5
Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony was the first major work I performed with the Portland Youth Philharmonic, and it became a turning point in how I viewed orchestral playing. Coming from a year of online rehearsals where the only sounds accompanying my cello were from my metronome, hearing the orchestra come alive in the opening horn theme of the second movement was absolutely thrilling. Playing this symphony reminded me why I love playing with other musicians.
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, 18
Although I am not a pianist, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 is one of my favorite works because of just how beautiful and romantic it is. Its soaring melodies and rich orchestration really express the full range of human emotion.
Shostakovich: Quartet 8 in C minor, Op. 110
This piece is one of the most exciting and electrifying works I’ve encountered. It’s also one of the pieces that inspired me to join my quartet, with whom I absolutely love playing. Performing with a close group of musicians is both inspiring and incredibly fun.
Amy Beach: Romance for Violin and Piano, Op. 23
My older sister was actually the one who inspired me to start playing, as she began violin when I was very young and introduced me to many beautiful pieces, including Amy Beach’s Romance. Even in a simple duet between violin and piano, its emotional melodies and expressive phrasing immediately captivated me, showing the power music can hold.
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture
Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture portrays the story of Shakespeare’s tragic romance. It captures the passion, drama, and ultimate tragedy of the narrative, making the story come alive through music. As a passionate writer, I feel like this piece highlights how connected the arts are, especially music and literature.
About Kristen
Kristen Kim is a 16-year-old cellist from Portland, Oregon. She began playing cello at age six and at age 12 she made her solo debut with the Oregon Mozart Players after winning their 2022 Young Soloist Competition. She has performed as a soloist with ensembles including the Amadeus Chamber Orchestra, Oregon Sinfonietta, Eugene Symphony, and members of the Oregon Symphony. She also performed at Carnegie Hall as a winner of the American Protégé International String Competition. Kristen has earned numerous awards, including first place in the MTNA Oregon State Junior Strings Competition and the 2025 National Federation of Music Clubs Mary Cox Award. In the summers of 2024 and 2025, she attended the Boston University Tanglewood Institute and the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute, serving as principal and assistant principal cellist, respectively. Kristen is co-principal cellist of the Portland Youth Philharmonic, principal of the 2025 OMEA All-State Orchestra, and Executive Director of Project Prelude, which supports young musicians through outreach and mentorship.