Dr. Julia Kang is an acclaimed cellist based in the New York Tri-State area, celebrated for her vibrant artistry, versatility, and deeply expressive performances. Equally at home in classical, chamber, and film music, she has built a multifaceted career marked by technical mastery, artistic imagination, and a profound connection with audiences.
Julia has performed with renowned ensembles including the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, and New York Classical Players. She was also a member of the orchestra for The Phantom of the Opera, Broadway’s longest-running musical, showcasing her excellence as a versatile crossover artist. Her work in the recording studio includes contributions to numerous major film soundtracks such as The Girl on the Train, Noah, Collateral Beauty, and A Dog’s Purpose, as well as a wide range of independent films.
As a soloist, Julia has appeared with orchestras including the Moscow Chamber Orchestra and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, performing concertos by Dvořák, Elgar, and Haydn to critical acclaim.
A passionate chamber musician and recitalist, Julia has toured internationally, with particular success in Japan, where she has performed at leading venues such as Suntory Hall in Tokyo, Kitara Hall in Sapporo, and Kanack Hall in Yokohama. She is also a member of Trio Confero, beginning in the 2025 season, performing alongside clarinetist Maksim Shtrykov and pianist Misuzu Tanaka. The ensemble is dedicated to presenting dynamic and imaginative programs that highlight the beauty and breadth of the clarinet trio repertoire.
In addition, Julia and her husband, bassist and percussionist Tomoya Aomori, are the founders of AKDuo, an innovative ensemble that blends classical, jazz, and contemporary styles. Their debut album First Impression (2017) and performances throughout the United States and Japan have captivated audiences with their distinctive sound and engaging stage presence.
Julia holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) degree from Stony Brook University, a Master of Music from The Juilliard School, and a Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music. She has been recognized with honors including the Irene Diamond Graduate Fellowship and the Samuel Mayes Memorial Cello Award.
Dedicated to education as well as performance, Julia maintains a thriving private cello studio in New Jersey and serves on the cello faculty at the Opus College of Music in Colorado. She has also taught at Molloy College and the Lyra Summer Festival and Workshop at Smith College. Her teaching emphasizes a strong technical foundation, the cultivation of artistic individuality, and a lifelong love of music.
Through her performances, teaching, and collaborative projects, Julia Kang continues to inspire audiences and students alike with her artistry, versatility, and vision.