A Korean immigrant living in North Carolina, Raphael Lee started playing cello at the age of 11. Music has always been in his family with his mother playing the piano and older brother, Michael, playing the violin. Inspired by his childhood he began his formal education under the teachings of Dr. Jonathan Kramer. He quickly found his love for music and the instrument after joining his middle school orchestra. Since then, Raphael has been an active musician in his community. He played in youth orchestras such as Triangle Youth Philharmonic, Duke String School, and Lamar Stringfield. He also played in various chamber groups through North Carolina Chamber Music Institute. In this past year, he played in the Eastern Regional Orchestra and will participate in the NC Honors Orchestra later this year. With his current teacher, Ms. Elizabeth Beilman, Raphael has built a wide range of repertoire and discovered his own unique sound. Whether he is playing at his church, at his home with his family, or at a concert hall, he has prioritized musicality and a connection to his audience. This allows him to always strive to convey his love of music to his community and he is looking forward to growing and maturing into a better cellist every day.
