Jennifer Kloetzel

Jennifer Kloetzel is a Professor and Area Head of the Strings Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara's Department of Music. She is a renowned cellist, former founding member of the Cypress String Quartet (1996-2016), and a Fulbright Scholar. Her career spans performances at major venues like Lincoln Center and collaborations with orchestras across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Kloetzel is celebrated for her interpretations of classical and contemporary works, including Beethoven's quartets and Brahms' sextets, and has released over 36 recordings.

• Education: The Juilliard School (M.M.), B.M. from Indiana University.

Her research interests focus on cello performance, chamber music, and promoting new compositions. She has premiered over 50 works, including five concertos, and champions living composers through commissions (e.g., Daniel Asia, Elena Ruehr, Joseph Landers). Upcoming projects include world premieres of works by Aldag, Ruehr, and Friedman.

• Awards: Peter Mennin Prize, Robert Sherman Award, Copland Award, Fulbright Grant.

Teaching highlights include roles at San José State University (2003-2009) and masterclasses at Juilliard and the San Francisco Conservatory. Her outreach efforts earned the McGraw-Hill Robert Sherman Award for community engagement.

Professional affiliations include performances with the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival and Aspen Music Festival. She has been principal cellist of the Concert Artists of Baltimore and soloist with orchestras like the Boston Modern Orchestra Project.