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Biography

Dr. Michael Kaufman is an internationally acclaimed cellist whose performances are distinguished by their depth, versatility, and expressive power. Equally at home in solo, chamber, and orchestral settings, Dr. Kaufman is Assistant Professor of Cello and Education and Outreach at the University of Utah, where he brings a passionate commitment to mentorship and artistic exploration.

Celebrated for his dynamic artistry, Dr. Kaufman has appeared at premier venues including Zankel and Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, and has been featured in major festivals such as Open Chamber Music at Prussia Cove, Yellow Barn, Music@Menlo, and the Verbier Festival. He has collaborated with renowned artists including Midori and Kim Kashkashian, and has performed as principal cellist with La Monnaie Opera in Brussels.

His discography includes recordings for ECM Records, notably the works of Tigran Mansurian. A committed advocate for contemporary music, Dr. Kaufman has premiered numerous new works, including Sean Friar’s concerto with the Eastman Wind Ensemble and Brett Dean’s 12 Angry Men at the Piatigorsky International Cello Festival. As founder and artistic director of Sunset ChamberFest and a founding member of the boundary-pushing cello quintet SAKURA, he curates programs that fuse classical masterpieces with bold, exploratory repertoire.

Dr. Kaufman earned his bachelor’s degree at the Eastman School of Music under Steven Doane, and his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Southern California studying with Ralph Kirshbaum. In addition to his role at the University of Utah, he is a faculty member at the Colburn School and a cellist with LA Opera.

Courses Taught

• Cello - Private Lessons
• Chamber Music