My name is Joseph Li, and I have been professionally trained in cello since the age of six. When I first tried the cello at an event at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, I immediately fell in love with its sound. Its rich, human voice–like tone felt like an old friend speaking to me, and I knew then that it was my favorite instrument.
In fourth grade, I was accepted into the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras (AYPO), one of the most competitive youth orchestras in Northern Virginia, and I have been an active member ever since. Over the years, I’ve held roles such as Principal and Assistant Principal cellist in various AYPO ensembles, including the American Youth Debut Orchestra, American Youth String Ensemble, and American Youth Concert Orchestra (AYCO). This academic year, I have also been part of the the AYCO Junior Chamber Ensemble and have especially enjoyed performing chamber music with my group at local churches.
Currently, I serve as Principal cellist in my middle school’s Chamber Orchestra. I have a growing interest in music composition and hope to lead the ensemble in performing one of my original works very soon.
Watch Joseph Li perform Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33 by Camille Saint-Saëns on the cello for the 2025 Summer Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.