Ben Hong

Ben Hong is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music and the Colburn School. He serves as associate principal cello of the Los Angeles Philharmonic (LA Phil), a role he has held since 2015, and actively performs as a soloist and chamber musician.

• Education:
  • Juilliard School (entered age 13)
  • USC School of Music (studied with Lynn Harrell)

Hong specializes in orchestral repertoire, cello performance, and chamber music. His teaching philosophy emphasizes technical refinement, musical citizenship, and fostering passion for classical composers' works.

He has collaborated with artists like Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman, and Sir Simon Rattle, and performed in notable events including the U.S. premiere of Mark-Anthony Turnage’s Kai at the Ojai Music Festival. As a film consultant, he trained Jamie Foxx for the movie The Soloist, featuring on its Deutsche Grammophon soundtrack. In 2020, he performed a tribute to Kobe Bryant at the Staples Center.

• Contact:
  • Phone: (213) 740-7704
  • Email: benhong@usc.edu