Timothy Lees

Timothy Lees, violinist, enjoys an exciting and eclectic career as Concertmaster of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician.  Since his arrival in Cincinnati as Concertmaster in 1998, Mr. Lees has also been appointed as an esteemed member of the violin faculty of the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) where he serves a vital, dual role as teacher and private coach in preparing students in developing their orchestral audition skills.  A member of the Sarasota Festival faculty since 2004, Mr. Lees has also been a faculty member of the Aspen Music Festival and School where he performed as Concertmaster of both the Aspen Chamber Symphony and the Aspen Festival Orchestra.

Mr. Lees’ Carnegie Hall solo debut with the Cincinnati Symphony in 1999 was received with critical acclaim. As described by Strings Magazine, his performance of Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben: “the display of egotism is almost redeemed by the soaring melodies and the famous bravura violin solo, played with spectacular virtuosity by concertmaster Timothy Lees.” From Bach to Bartok, Mr. Lees’ flexibility and command of the solo violin repertoire is evident through his numerous solo appearances with the Cincinnati Symphony as well as on many other stages throughout North America.  As a recitalist, he has been featured in solo recitals in cities throughout the United States such as Cincinnati, Philadelphia, San Diego and at festivals including Sarasota, Spoleto, Sebago-Long Lake, Mainly Mozart Festivals, among others.

An avid and highly sought after chamber musician, Mr. Lees frequently collaborates with the world’s most prominent artists including Jaime Laredo, Joseph Silverstein, Yefim Bronfman, Ida Kavafian, Peter Wiley, among many others.  Additionally, he has appeared in performances as guest artist with St. Lawrence and Jupiter Quartets.  Mr. Lees is featured regularly in chamber music on well established series including the Linton Music Series, CCM Faculty Artist Series, Oberlin Conservatory Series, Concert Nova, as well as appearances on Aspen Music Festival Faculty Artists Series and Spoleto Festival Series. His performances have been broadcast on NPR Performance Today, WFMT (Chicago Public Radio), NHK Radio (Japan), WGUC (Cincinnati Public Radio), KAJX (Aspen Public Radio), (WMEA) Maine Public Radio, and WFSU (Florida Public Radio).  Mr. Lees has been recorded on Telarc, Bridge Records, and Fanfare Cincinnati labels.  His recent recordings include the soon to be released Bruch Octet, a collaboration featuring Mr. Lees with members of the Jupiter Quartet and faculty members from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.

A native of Philadelphia, Mr. Lees received the coveted Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music where he studied with Charles Castleman.  Prior to his arrival in Cincinnati, Mr. Lees established himself as a distinguished leader serving as Concertmaster of the internationally renowned Spoleto Festival, the Pittsburgh, New Jersey, and the Charleston (SC) Symphony Orchestras.  The expertise he has cultivated in his own command of solo, chamber music,  and orchestral literature is shared, not only by his recent addition to violin faculty of CCM, but also through master classes presented nationally and internationally at Universities, Conservatories, and festivals including CCM, Indiana University, Aspen Music Festival, Sarasota Music Festival, Beijing Central Conservatory, Sookmyung Women’s University, Yeungnum University, Korea National University of Arts, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Charleston, University of Kentucky, Northern Kentucky University, Ohio University, Biola University, Cincinnati Young Artists Festival, and many others.  Mr. Lees’ versatility in teaching effectiveness is evidenced by a consistent and strong track record of students claiming competition prizes as well as winning positions in major symphony orchestras domestically and abroad.

Mr. Lees performs on a J. B. Vuillaume violin c. 1845