Hannah Jiwon Kim Cello

24 year-old Korean-American cellist, Hannah Jiwon’s earliest musical experiences were shaped by her passionate pleas for her grandfather to perform "Für Elise", that he would dutifully play while she danced with great enthusiasm, singing church hymns with her mother, and her father's own less-than-perfect singing. Her journey with music was largely influenced by her grandfather, but it was the cello that ultimately captured her heart at the age of ten. 

Graduating from The Juilliard School in 2022, Hannah has since performed at venues like Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall, showcasing her talents as a soloist, chamber musician, and interdisciplinary artist with a deep commitment to community engagement through her involvement in various ensembles and initiatives. 

As a founding member of the 1.5 Degrees Trio, Hannah worked to promote sustainability and environmental awareness within Lincoln Center and the Juilliard community. She spearheaded numerous events, with prominent composers and climate activists like John Luther Adams and with climate organizations like 350NYC. Hannah's dedication to community engagement was further exemplified through the ParaQuintet, where she served as a founding member and cellist. The group was dedicated to using music and dance to reach out to local communities. Recognized for her achievements, Hannah received the Jakab Global Enrichment Grant, enabling her to create a coloring book inspired by Britten's cello suite. During the pandemic, she launched her YouTube channel, Haji Kim, gaining popularity with videos showcasing her life as an aspiring cellist.

Today, Hannah continues her pursuit of musical excellence at the Royal Academy of Music. Her diverse experiences, creativity, and unwavering commitment to community engagement make her a promising young artist to watch.