Esther Chae is a cellist from Miami, Florida, who recently completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at The Juilliard School, where she studied with Clara Minhye Kim and Astrid Schween. She made her concerto debut at the age of nine with the Coral Gables Symphony and has since established herself as a versatile soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer. Her performances have taken her to acclaimed venues including Carnegie Hall and the Berlin Konzerthaus.

Chae has been featured by Interlochen Public Radio, Wisconsin Public Radio, WLRN Television, and the Miami Herald. As a soloist, she has appeared with ensembles including the Alhambra Orchestra, Greater Miami Youth Symphony, New World School Orchestra, Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra, and New World Symphony. She has also collaborated with the Amernet String Quartet.

Her artistic development has been shaped by master classes and collaborations with distinguished cellists including Carter Brey, Frans Helmerson, Marcy Rosen, Alban Gerhardt, Bion Tsang, Hayoung Choi, and the late Lynn Harrell.

Deeply committed to music education and community engagement, Chae performs for patients and residents in hospitals and retirement communities throughout New York City and teaches through nonprofit organizations. In addition to her performing career, she holds a digital presence, connecting with a growing international audience and offering insight into the life of a professional musician.

Outside of her musical pursuits, Chae is a huge foodie and recently completed the 2026 New York City Half Marathon.