DYLAN KINNEAVY

Dylan Kinneavy is a dynamic, imaginative, and versatile cellist whose artistry extends to a variety of musical styles. At the heart of his playing is a deep love for chamber music, a passion that has led him to perform at festivals such as the Manchester Music Festival, Bowdoin International Music Festival, and Madeline Island Chamber Music Institute. He has shared the stage with celebrated artists including Philip Setzer, Ayane Kozasa, Paul Wiancko, Nancy Allen, Paul Watkins, Edward Arron, and Ole Akahoshi, and has performed in masterclasses by world-renowned cellists like Philippe Muller, Johannes Moser, Alban Gerhardt, and Peter Wiley.

As a soloist, Dylan has performed concertos with the Minnesota Sinfonia and the Minnesota Youth Symphony, and with vocal ensembles, including the River Heights Chorale and Yale Repertory Chorus. His playing has earned recognition in national competitions, including 1st Prize in the Naftzger Young Artists Auditions, 3rd Prize in the Philharmonic Society of Arlington Young Artist Competition, and was in the finals of the NFMC Young Artist Competition.

Dylan’s musical journey spans a rich variety of genres outside of classical music. Throughout his musical upbringing, alongside classical cello, he has played drums and piano in jazz combos, pit orchestras, and indie bands, and, more recently, performing in the New Haven Chinese Cultural Cooperative ensemble. These diverse experiences have broadened his creative perspective and deepened his dedication to the idea that classical music can, and should, embrace a more inclusive and innovative future. Dylan is dedicated to making classical music vibrant, innovative, and ever-evolving, striving to create music that resonates meaningfully with today’s audiences and creates connections across cultures and communities. He is a passionate advocate for making classical music more accessible and relevant to a diverse range of listeners.

Dylan’s musical journey began in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he started Suzuki cello lessons with Adrianna O’Brien at the age of four. At age eight, he joined Minnesota Youth Symphonies, and at eleven, he began studying chamber music under the guidance of Tom Rosenberg. Shortly thereafter, Peter Howard, former principal cellist of the legendary Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, became his primary teacher. Howard, having been retired from performing for many years by this point, shared his wealth of experience from performing with top orchestras, teaching many students of all ages, and studying with legendary cellists, whose legacy he passed on to Dylan. Beyond refining his technical skills, Peter Howard’s mentorship had a lasting impact on Dylan’s growth as both a musician and a person. Peter Howard not only taught him how to play the cello, but also how to solve problems, think independently, and live a fulfilling life.

In addition to his studies with Peter Howard, Dylan had the privilege of learning from Julie Albers, Peter Howard’s successor at the SPCO, studying more intensively with her over a year between his undergraduate and master’s studies. Julie Albers’ teaching during this time not only deepened his musical understanding and further refined his expressive and collaborative style, but also helped him find his unique voice on the cello, offering a broader outlook on the possibilities his career could take. Working closely with both Peter Howard and Julie Albers, two cellists who shaped the sound of one of the world’s most renowned chamber orchestras, Dylan developed a strong sense of how to navigate and contribute to a group dynamic, shaping his collaborative approach to both chamber music and orchestral performance.

He studied with Eric Kim at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where he served as principal and associate principal cellist across several university ensembles, including the JSoM Chamber, Concert, Symphony, and University Orchestras, as well as the IU New Music Ensemble. Outside of the Jacobs School, he also performed with the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, serving as assistant principal and acting principal cellist. After completing his undergraduate studies, Dylan pursued a master’s degree at the Yale School of Music, where he served as principal cellist of the Yale Philharmonia for numerous concerts, collaborated extensively on chamber music projects, and continues to expand his artistry and refine his vision as an artist.