Cellist James Baik has been described as an artist with “an undeniable authority,” and one possessing “a real warmth emerging in lyricism” by Le Soir, after his astounding performance at the 2021 Queen Elisabeth competition. First Prize Winner of the 2023 YCA Susan Wadsworth International Auditions and recipient of the Paul A. Fish Memorial Prize and the Bridgehampton Chamber Music Prize, James is a YCA Jacobs Fellow.
Highlights from recent performances include concerto performances with the Colburn Orchestra and Sir Andrew Davies, Orchestre Royal de Chambre de Wallonie, Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle, Peninsula Symphony, Pasadena Symphony, Brevard Music Center, and chamber music performances at the Ravinia Festival, Music in the Vineyards Festival, and Nevada Chamber Music Festival.
An active chamber musician, James plays as a member of the Galvin Cello Quartet. He has collaborated with Noah Bendix-Balgley, David Finckel, Wu Han, Emanuel Ax, Arnaud Sussmann, Miriam Fried, Gary Hoffman, Gilbert Kalish, Bob McDonald, and members of the Tokyo, Pacifica, and Escher String Quartets.
During the 24-25 season James will make concerto appearances with the Mobile Symphony and the Hamilton College Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, he will make recital and chamber music appearances with the Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival, BIG ARTS Sanibel Island, Buffalo Chamber Music Society, and Hayden's Ferry Chamber Music Series.
Raised in Houston, Texas, James’ education included studies with Houston Symphony Associate Principal Christopher French and with Hans Jørgen Jensen. James holds a BM from Colburn Conservatory of Music where he studied with Clive Greensmith.