Han Lee is a Japanese-born Korean cellist who received his Bachelor’s degree from the Juilliard School as a recipient of the Jerome L. Greene Fellowship under the guidance of Joel Krosnick. He pursued his Master’s degree with Norman Fischer at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. He has been a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center, Spoleto Festival USA and has attended the Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival and Great Mountains Music Festival. Han was a recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award from NPR’s From the Top. Throughout his solo career, he has been the winner of the Yokohama International Music Competition, International Grande Music Competition, New York Music Competition, and Juilliard Pre-College Concerto Competition twice, performing as the soloist in venues such as Alice Tully Hall and the Kaufman Music Center. He became a member of the Louisville Orchestra in 2024.

What do you enjoy most about performing with the Louisville Orchestra? 

I have been enjoying listening to how each instrument and player brings its own color into the works we perform and seeing how enthusiastically our audience members of all age groups react to our performances!

In what ways do you think the Louisville Orchestra can make the greatest impact on our community?

I think the best ways to impact and engage our community is through educating young people about the art of our music, collaborating with artists from various genres, and making concerts accessible which is what the LO has been doing a great job of already, and will continue doing even more of!

What is your favorite type of orchestral music to perform, and why?  

My favorite type of orchestral music to perform would be works by late-Romantic composers such as Strauss and Mahler. I enjoy performing these works as they compel the entire orchestra to play expressively and sensitively which creates a beautiful sound when put together. It also provides an enjoyable experience learning the score and practicing the part which I greatly appreciate.

What are some things that inspire you as a musician?

My biggest inspiration as a musician is that there is always room to grow and an unlimited amount of music to experience. Exploring works by composers of various periods gives me a chance to challenge myself in an enjoyable way and inspires me to continue looking for colors to add to my voice.

What are some of your hobbies outside the LO?

I enjoy taking care of my plants and going on walks.

Favorite orchestral work?

C. Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun