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The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute (PYOMI) is proud to announce that Priscilla Lee, Associate Principal Cello of The Philadelphia Orchestra, has been honored with the 12th Annual Ovation Award. The award was presented on May 31, 2025, during PYOMI’s 85th Annual Festival Concert at the Kimmel Center’s Marian Anderson Hall. This prestigious accolade, sponsored by WRTI 90.1 FM and J.W. Pepper, recognizes extraordinary music educators who inspire and transform the lives of their students.
Lee was nominated by her student, Elijah Song, who praised her exceptional dedication, talent, and impact as a music teacher. Her commitment to nurturing young musicians exemplifies the spirit of the Ovation Award:
“She encouraged me to embrace challenges, reminding me that mistakes are part of learning. Because of her, I’ve grown not only as a cellist, but as a more confident, resilient, and thoughtful person.“
-ELIJAH SONG, WINNING NOMINATOR, 12TH ANNUAL OVATION AWARD
A California native, Lee began studying cello at age five and made her solo debut with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1998. She studied with Ronald Leonard at the Colburn School of Performing Arts and later at the Curtis Institute of Music with David Soyer. In 2005, she earned a Master of Music degree from the Mannes College. Lee has participated in renowned festivals such as Marlboro, Santa Fe, Seattle, Delaware, and Taos. She was a member of Lincoln Center’s Chamber Music Society Two from 2006 to 2009 and co-founded Trio Cavatina, which won the Grand Prize at the 2009 Naumburg International Competition. Before joining The Philadelphia Orchestra in 2016, she served as Principal Cellist for both Opera Philadelphia and The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia.
Beyond her performance career, Lee is deeply committed to music education. She maintains a private teaching studio and mentors young musicians across the Philadelphia region. Her students have been accepted into top conservatories and have won positions in leading youth orchestras.
The Ovation Award, presented in partnership with WRTI 90.1 FM and J.W. Pepper, celebrates the profound influence of music educators like Lee, whose dedication shapes the next generation of musicians.
PYOMI extends heartfelt congratulations to Priscilla Lee for this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her unwavering commitment to excellence in music education.
For more information about the Ovation Award, please visit our website at www.pyomusic.org.
