Michael Kaufman, Cello

Dr. Michael Kaufman is an internationally acclaimed cellist whose performances are distinguished by their depth, versatility, and expressive power. His educational platform, Cello Workout—a series of videos exploring cello technique and effective practice methods—reaches more than 300,000 viewers each month across social media platforms. Equally at home in solo, chamber, and orchestral settings, Dr. Kaufman serves as Assistant Professor of Cello, Education and Outreach at the University of Utah, where he brings a passionate commitment to mentorship and artistic exploration.

Celebrated for his dynamic artistry, Dr. Kaufman has appeared at leading venues including Zankel Hall and Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall and at major festivals such as Open Chamber Music at Prussia Cove, Yellow Barn, and Music@Menlo. He has collaborated with renowned artists including Midori and Kim Kashkashian and has performed as principal cellist with La Monnaie Opera in Brussels.

His discography includes recordings of works by Tigran Mansurian for ECM Records, as well as Clair de lune with the SAKURA Cello Quintet, released on the Platoon label. A committed advocate for contemporary music, Dr. Kaufman has premiered numerous works, including Sean Friar’s concerto Dynamics with the Eastman Wind Ensemble and Brett Dean’s Twelve Angry Men at the Piatigorsky International Cello Festival. As founder and artistic director of Sunset ChamberFest and a founding member of the boundary-pushing SAKURA Cello Quintet, he curates programs that fuse classical masterpieces with bold, exploratory repertoire.

Dr. Kaufman earned his bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with Steven Doane, and his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Southern California, where he studied with Ralph Kirshbaum. In addition to his position at the University of Utah, he performs with LA Opera and serves as Principal Cello of the Pasadena Symphony. Through his work as a performer, educator, and digital creator, he continues to inspire audiences and students while expanding how they engage with the cello.