Houston Christian University
Dunham Theater, Morris Cultural Arts Center
7502 Fondren, Houston, TX 77074
Program Includes:
Cellist Charles Seo was appointed cellist of the Houston Symphony in the summer of 2018 at the age of 22. Previously, he served as principal cellist in the Colburn Orchestra. Charles made his solo orchestral debut at the age of 10 and is the recipient of numerous awards on both the national and international levels. He has performed as guest soloist with the Houston Symphony, Dallas Symphony, and the San Jose Chamber Orchestra.
Charles is the silver medalist of the 2014 Irving M. Klein International String Competition and a bronze medalist of the 2014 Stulberg International String Competition. He is the gold medalist of the 2013 Lynn Harrell Concerto Competition, 2013 Houston Symphony Competition, 2013 Schmidbauer International Competition, 30th Pasadena Showcase Instrumental Competition. Charles performed Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen with Christopher O’Riley on NPR’s From the Top. In 2014, he was selected as a YoungArts finalist and a semifinalist for the Presidential Scholars for the Arts. In 2015, he was invited to compete in Moscow at the XV Tchaikovsky International Competition.
Charles has also earned top prizes in numerous competitions, including the Schmidbauer International Competition, American Protégé International Concerto Competition to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Mondavi National Competition, the Fort Bend Symphony Concerto Competition, the Clear Lake Symphony Concerto Competition, the Houston Civic Symphony Concerto Competition, the HYS Concerto Competition, the Houston Young Artist’s Concert Competition, and the Symphony North of Houston Concerto Competition.
Charles has collaborated in chamber music performances with artists such as violinists Ida Kavafian and Anthony Marwood, violists Roberto Diaz and Steven Tenenbom, cellists Lynn Harrell, Robert DeMaine, Clive Greensmith, and Brinton Smith. He has also worked with world-renowned cellists Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt, David Geringas, Steven Isserlis, Jian Wang, Myung-Wha Chung, Lluis Claret, Li-Wei Qin, Bion Tsang, Laurence Lesser.
Charles holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Colburn School, where he studied with Ronald Leonard and Clive Greensmith.
Charles’ Korean name is Chan Young, which means to “praise and glorify the Lord with music.” Using his God-given musical talents to bring glory gives joy to Seo and encourages him to excel.
