Tessa

When she was just 12 years old, young cellist Tessa's natural ability and subtle artistry were already earning her comparison to the legendary cellist Jacqueline du Pré. Now, at 15, Tessa continues to amaze audiences and critics alike with the maturity and virtuosity of her playing. Tessa is a Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholar and a recipient of the Young Artist Award.

In addition to her regular cello lessons, Tessa studies chamber music with the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and performs with the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra. Tessa was featured with her chamber group, The Luna Trio, on the national radio program From the Top and has performed twice on From the Top’s television program live at Carnegie Hall. She regularly competes in music competitions, winning first place at the Steward Brady Competition and competing as a finalist at the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition and the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition. Tessa also had the honor of performing live for the Dalai Lama during his recent visit to the US.

Tessa recently garnered the Zander Scholarship to attend the Walnut Hills Chamber Music Program, where she’ll spend the summer studying with world-renowned musicians and teachers. As part of the program, she will also spend ten days in France performing at important historic venues in Paris and surrounding areas.

“My cello instructor teaches me about French culture and we discuss our love of music,” explains Tessa. “Sitting next to him, playing our cellos, may seem like a small thing to some people. But to me, it is love and kindness. These feelings make me want to give back to the world. I imagine now and even as I grow older, that there will be children like myself that I can inspire through my music.”

Tessa lives with her mother in northern California, where she balances an independent-study high school program with a rigorous rehearsal and performance schedule.

• Visit Tessa's website