Photo of cellist Kyle Victor

Kyle Victor

Cello

2024 Fellow

From the dynamic city of Houston, Texas, Kyle Victor, a cellist with Caribbean-American roots, brings passion and soul along with his instrument. At 10, his musical journey commenced. Studying initially with Jenny Huang and Daniel Saenz, Victor secured the Excellence in Music Leadership Full Scholarship from Peabody Conservatory to attend under the instruction of Amit Peled. During this time, he also received the Stephen Kates Memorial Endowed Scholarship in cello. Following an enriching experience in Baltimore, Victor set his sights on the Eastman School of Music for his Master’s to further his education under the tutelage of Steven Doane and Rosemary Elliott, where he received the Performers Certificate.

In the spotlight, Victor has graced numerous stages across the Northeast, delivering captivating solo performances and recitals. Notably, he was a featured soloist with the Eastman Symphony Orchestra, enchanting listeners with Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33. His talent has also shone brightly at prestigious events like the Heifetz Young Artists Series, as well as various festival appearances, including Bowdoin and Keshet Eilon. Moreover, Victor’s collaborative spirit has led him to closely collaborate with esteemed musicians such as members of the Cavani String Quartet, the Ying Quartet, The Jack Quartet and more. He’s had the privilege of sharing the stage with luminaries like Amit Peled, Yoojin Jang, Elinor Freer, and David Ying. Victor’s dedication to musical excellence is further exemplified through his participation in public masterclasses, where he has showcased his artistry for renowned cellists including Alban Gerhardt, Ralph Kirshbaum, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Hans Jensen, among others.

Beyond his performances, Victor has shown his versatility through an array of recordings and publications. Notably, he has ventured into public speaking engagements, including appearances with the WE Movement, where he shares his insights and experiences. Additionally, he has been featured on television networks such as ABC, where he candidly discussed his personal story, including topics like his journey with hearing loss, offering audiences a glimpse into his life beyond the stage.

Victor is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians. Through his teaching experience at the Eastman Community Music School, he refines his skills as an educator. He is deeply passionate about community empowerment, with one of his primary aspirations being to establish a nonprofit organization focused on offering opportunities in underserved areas. Recently, Victor has committed to attending the Manhattan School of Music in the fall, where he will pursue a Professional Performance Diploma with full scholarship under esteemed cellist Julia Lichten. When he isn’t performing or practicing, you could likely find him pondering his next move in chess.