Looking for the perfect cello performance to bring elegance and warmth to your next event in Richmond, Virginia? From weddings and private parties to concert halls and educational programs, the city is home to an incredible community of cellists whose artistry elevates every occasion. Whether you want classical depth, contemporary flair, or versatile ensemble music, these Richmond-based cellists will make your celebration truly unforgettable.
Here are eight of the most talented cellists you can book in Richmond today:
Maya Johnson
Maya Johnson is a dedicated cellist who began playing cello at age 11.
She became a member of the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra as a high school freshman. Maya also began performing with the VCU Health Orchestra in January 2020, and also performs regularly with the Virginia Union University Community Orchestra.
David Smith
David Smith is a professional cellist, instructor and composer that resides in Richmond, VA. A Richmond native, David has been playing cello for 26 years, and studied cello performance and music theory at the Loyola School of Music in New Orleans, LA. David performs regularly with Classical Revolution RVA, the Virginia Cello Ensemble, and is the assistant principal cellist of the Northern Neck Orchestra. David is also a composer, and in 2019 finished his first major work, “Relict’s Passage”, a sonata for cello and piano. David organizes everything classical for WES-RVA and custom arranges every special song request by hand himself. David has 20 years of experience performing for thousands of weddings, has organized two successful string quartets both in Richmond and in New Orleans, and is a fierce advocate for classical music promotion and local classical musicians.
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Jason McComb
Jason McComb has been the Assistant Principal Cellist of the Richmond Symphony since 2002. Having received his early musical training in his native Portland, Oregon, Mr. McComb earned a Bachelor of Music from The Juilliard School where he studied with Joel Krosnick and Zara Nelsova. He then went on to study with Bonnie Hampton at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where he received a Master of Music in both cello and chamber music.
Sahara the Cellist
Sahara has been the recipient of many sizeable grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, allowing her to commission dozens of Canadian and American composers. She has been a resident artist at BangOnACan, Yellow Barn, Avaloch institute, and Pôle Relève through Le Vivier.
Samantha Hegre
Samantha Hegre began her cello studies at the age of eight in Sacramento, CA. She later earned a Bachelor of Music degree from California State University Sacramento where she studied with Andrew Luchansky. She then went on to complete a Master of Music degree and Graduate Performance Diploma from Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, MD, studying with Jeffrey Solow, Alan Stepansky, and David Hardy.
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Janel Leppin
I’m a cellist, composer and arranger who plays a lot of instruments and sings. I tour worldwide but when I’m home I make art by weaving my performance outfits into tapestries. I started maing clothing with MY weavings PRINTED on them and collaborate with awesome music/art friends, too. You can hear my newest releases on My music PAge, MY bandcamp PAges AND CUNEIFORM RECORDS’ BANDCAMP. I’m spread out across bandcamp. read what journalists have said about my music + art work on the press page. you can be in the loop if ya like via email updates on the form below, Cheers!
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Jiyoung Lee, Cellist
Korean Cellist Ji Young Lee is known for her evocative interpretation and emotional depth in sound. Her solo performances include Korea’s Seoul Symphony Orchestra, New York’s Hudson Valley Philharmonic, New Jersey’s Bergen Philharmonic, New York Classical Players, The Juilliard Orchestra, and Seoul National University Orchestra.
The “Josh” — Cellist The Josh
Hailing from Humacao, Puerto Rico, Joshua Sierra Delgado is a Cellist with experience in the Entertainment, Hospitality, and Social Media Industries. Josh began studying Cello when he and his family moved to the United States more than a decade ago. He continued to hone his musical talents in the beautiful city of New Orleans at Loyola University New Orleans, under the tutelage of Professor Philip von Maltzahn and the late Dr. Allen Nisbet.
🔗 Website
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Final Thoughts
From world-class symphony players to inspiring teachers and vibrant ensembles, Richmond’s cellists bring a wide spectrum of talent to private events. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate gathering, or intimate celebration, these eight outstanding cellists ensure your special occasion resonates with beauty, depth, and unforgettable music.