CSO appoints Artist-in-Residence
Charleston Symphony Announces Grammy Award-Winning Cellist Zuill Bailey as Artist-in-Residence
For Immediate Release
April 30, 2025
The Charleston Symphony is proud to announce the appointment of Zuill Bailey as its new Artist-in-Residence for the 2025-2026 season. One of the most sought-after cellists in the world, Bailey is a Grammy Award-winning artist with an extensive discography and appearances with leading orchestras and chamber ensembles worldwide.
The residency will feature Bailey in curated chamber music programs, orchestral masterworks performances, and community engagement initiatives throughout the season. Known for his signature artistry, technical brilliance, and audience connections, this new partnership further reinforces the Symphony’s commitment to enriching the cultural fabric of the Lowcountry.
Zuill is one of the top cellists of our generation, a celebrated musician and an incredibly engaging artist. I’m very much looking forward to collaborating with him on a variety of projects in both orchestral and chamber music settings. I know our audience will absolutely love getting to know him.
Featured Performances (2025-2026 Season)
Chamber Music Series at Charleston Library Society
Bailey has helped curate a reimagined Chamber Music Series hosted at the intimate and historic Charleston Library Society. Highlights include:
Chamber Music 1
Friday, October 3 at 11am & 7pm | Saturday, October 4 at 7pm
A vibrant program showcasing beautiful works by Mozart, Brahms, and Dohnányi.
Chamber Music 3
Friday, April 17 at 11am & 7pm | Saturday, April 18 at 7pm
Stravinsky’s Woodwind Octet will be paired with the lush brilliance of Schubert’s String Octet.
Masterworks Series at the Charleston Gaillard Center
Bailey joins the Charleston Symphony on the grand stage of the Gaillard Center in a captivating orchestral program:
Scheherazade
Friday, November 21 at 7:30pm | Saturday, November 22 at 7:30pm
Paired with Rimsky-Korsakov’s evocative Scheherazade, Bailey will perform as soloist in Camille Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1, showcasing his virtuosity and skilled musicianship.
About Zuill Bailey
Zuill Bailey, widely considered one of the premiere cellists in the world, is a Grammy Award winning, internationally renowned soloist, recitalist, Artistic Director and teacher. His rare combination of celebrated artistry, technical wizardry and engaging personality has made him one of the most sought after and active cellists today.
Mr. Bailey has been featured with symphony orchestras and music festivals worldwide. He won the Best Solo Performance Grammy Award in 2017, for his recording of Michael Daugherty’s “Tales of Hemingway,” with the Nashville Symphony led by Giancarlo Guerrero. His extensive discography includes his newest release – the world premier recording of Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s Cello Concerto with the Santa Rosa Symphony.
He appeared in a recurring role on the HBO series “Oz,” and has been heard on NPR’s “Morning Edition,” “Tiny Desk Concert,” “Performance Today,” “Saint Paul Sunday,” BBC’s “In Tune,” XM Radio’s “Live from Studio II,” Sirius Satellite Radio’s “Virtuoso Voices,” and his latest disc of Bach Suites was the disc of the week on Sirius’ Symphony Hall.
Mr. Bailey received his Bachelor’s Degree from the Peabody Conservatory where he was named the 2014 Johns Hopkins University Distinguished Alumni, and received a Master’s Degree from the Juilliard School.
Know What’s Happening
Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to hear about concerts and special guests, access exclusive content, and get the latest news about your Charleston Symphony.