Cellist and educator J Holzen is in constant pursuit of musical collaborations of all kinds, including contemporary chamber music, pop and jazz shows, and working with students to achieve their artistic goals. Their enthusiasm and sincerity as an artist and performer encourages audience members and students alike to join J on their artistic journey, or begin their own.
In the Fall of 2023, J began their Fellowship with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Additional orchestral commitments include playing in the cello sections of Orchestra Iowa, the Sioux City Symphony, and the Battle Creek Symphony. They are also the newest member of OLEA, a chamber ensemble dedicated to making authentic connections with audiences through interactive performances, with a focus on new music and commissioned works.
Recent engagements as an educator include serving as a Teaching Associate in Music at Lake Forest College, teaching early childhood music classes through outreach teaching programs in the Chicago Public Schools, and maintaining a private studio of cello students of all ages and levels.
J grew up in a musical family in St. Louis, Missouri, and holds a Master of Music in Cello Performance from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance from Oberlin Conservatory. Their primary teachers include Brant Taylor, Darrett Adkins, and Ken Kulosa. During their free time, J can be found playing Tetris, snuggling with their cat, Reno, and attending as many concerts as possible.
