Cellist Eli Kaynor is a freelance musician based in New York City, where he recently completed a six-month Kenan Fellowship at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, with a focus on teaching artistry. He travels frequently up and down the east coast performing chamber, orchestral, solo, and rock concerts. Recent engagements include a solo recital at the Ithaca Suzuki Institute, chamber music performances at the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music in New Hampshire, and shows with such pop-rock artists as Ben Folds, Boyz II Men, Sarah Brightman, Disturbed, Lindsey Stirling, Evanescence, Josh Groban, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Chamber music has been at the forefront of Eli’s schooling and career. During his tenure at the UNC School of the Arts, Eli held an active position in the Chrysalis Chamber Music Institute and participated in many exciting chamber performances, including sharing the stage with Silk Road Ensemble artist Wu Man and performing for world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. His chamber groups have appeared in master classes at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, performing for musicians Paul Watkins, Sean Lee, and Daniel Phillips. In 2015, Eli’s group also participated in a performance tour across Spain, leading concerts and master classes in Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Alicante.
While at UNCSA, Eli received both a Professional Artist Certificate (2017) and a Master of Music degree (2016) while acting as the graduate teaching assistant to Dr. Brooks Whitehouse. Eli completed his Bachelor of Music degree (2013) from Chapman University in the studio of Roger Lebow. Eli is also an avid runner, folk musician, and comic book enthusiast.