Jessica Hong, 17, is a cellist from New Jersey. She started playing cello at the age of 7 and currently studies under Dr. Hyojin Lee. She has won numerous awards including 1st Prize at the VIVO International Music Competition, 1st Place at Camerata Artists International Competition, Grand Winner at the NLPA International Young Artists Competition, and Alternate State Winner at the MTNA National Competition. Jessica was selected to attend the prestigious summer music program Boston University Tanglewood Institute, where she received masterclasses and lessons from renowned cellists Paul Katz, Allison Eldredge, Fred Sherry, and Blaise Déjardin. In 2025, she joined NAfME All Eastern Symphony Orchestra as one of the fourteen cellists chosen from 13 eastern states/regions. Beyond performance, Jessica enjoys bettering the community using her musical talent. She helps to provide free music education to students from low-income families and shares music with diverse audiences across New Jersey. Outside of cello, Jessica is passionate about solving real-world problems through scientific innovations. In her free time, she loves trying food from different cultures, hanging out with friends, and taking care of her pet turtles.
Watch Jessica Hong perform Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 104, I. Allegro by Antonín Dvořák on the cello for the 19th Century Music Competition 2025 as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.