Dylan Kinneavy is a dynamic, imaginative, and versatile cellist whose artistry extends to a variety of musical styles. At the heart of his playing is a deep love for chamber music, a passion that has led him to perform at festivals such as the Manchester Music Festival, Bowdoin International Music Festival, and Madeline Island Chamber Music Institute. He has shared the stage with celebrated artists including Philip Setzer, Ayane Kozasa, Paul Wiancko, Nancy Allen, Paul Watkins, Edward Arron, and Ole Akahoshi, and has performed in masterclasses by world-renowned cellists like Philippe Muller, Johannes Moser, Alban Gerhardt, and Peter Wiley.
As a soloist, Dylan has performed concertos with the Minnesota Sinfonia and the Minnesota Youth Symphony, and with vocal ensembles, including the River Heights Chorale and Yale Repertory Chorus. His playing has earned recognition in competitions, including the Naftzger Young Artists Auditions, the Philharmonic Society of Arlington Young Artist Competition, and the National Federation of Music Clubs Young Artist Competition.
Dylan’s musical interests span a variety of genres outside of classical music. Throughout his musical upbringing, alongside classical cello, he has played drums and piano in jazz combos, pit orchestras, and indie bands, and, more recently, performing in the New Haven Chinese Cultural Cooperative ensemble. These diverse experiences have broadened his creative perspective and deepened his dedication to the idea that classical music can, and should, embrace a more inclusive and innovative future. Dylan is dedicated to making classical music vibrant, innovative, and ever-evolving, striving to create music that resonates meaningfully with today’s audiences and creates connections across cultures and communities. He is a passionate advocate for making classical music more accessible and relevant to a diverse range of listeners.
Dylan’s musical journey began in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he started Suzuki cello lessons with Adrianna O’Brien at the age of four. At age eight, he joined Minnesota Youth Symphonies, and at eleven, he began studying chamber music under the guidance of Tom Rosenberg. Shortly thereafter, Peter Howard, former principal cellist of the legendary Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, became his primary teacher. In addition to his studies with Peter Howard, Dylan had the privilege of learning from Julie Albers, Peter Howard’s successor at the SPCO, studying more intensively with her over a year between his undergraduate and master’s studies. Dylan got his Bachelors degree in cello performance at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, studying with Eric Kim. He received his Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music working with cellists Paul Watkins and Ole Akahoshi.