New Orleans, LA — The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO), founded in 1991 and recognized as one of the premier orchestras in the American South, proudly announces the appointment of Geunseon Han as a tenured cellist. Han becomes the first Cello section Korean musician to achieve tenure in the LPO’s cello section — a milestone that highlights both the orchestra’s growing diversity and its commitment to artistic excellence.
Alongside her performances with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Han serves for Masterclass of Loyola University New Orleans and Louisiana State University, where she is dedicated to mentoring young musicians. She is also actively involved with the New Orleans Civic Orchestra and the New Orleans Youth Orchestra as a coach and mentor, contributing to the development of the local music community.
Han’s career as a chamber and orchestral musician has taken her to some of the world’s most celebrated venues, including Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, the River Center for Performing Arts, the Fairchild Theatre, and Lotte Concert Hall. She has earned top prizes at numerous international competitions, including the New York International Artist Competition, the East Coast International Competition, and the Charleston International Competition, as well as multiple awards from major competitions in Korea.
A native of South Korea, Han graduated from Sunhwa Arts High School and the College of Music at Seoul National University. She went on to earn her Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, mentorship under Julia Lichten who is Manhattan School of Music, Purchase College faculty and Qiang Tu, cellist of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. She later completed her Doctor of Musical Arts at Michigan State University on a full scholarship under Suren Bagratuni, silver medalist of the Tchaikovsky International Competition. During her doctoral studies, Han served as a teaching assistant and on-call cello faculty member during the summer semester, and as a guest lecturer at Andrew College.
From Seoul to New York, Michigan, and now New Orleans, Han’s musical journey bridges Korean and American traditions. Through her cello, she continues to inspire audiences and students alike, bringing artistry, passion, and dedication to every performance.
Cellist Geunseon Han said, “I believe that music is a universal language that connects hearts beyond the boundaries of language and race. That is why, not only as a performer but also as an educator and mentor, I strive to bring positive change to the community through music. If someone feels comforted or inspired through a small concert or a single lesson, that, to me, is the true reason I make music.”
About the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO):
Based in New Orleans, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is the only full-time, musician-governed professional orchestra in the United States. Founded in 1991, the LPO has become a cornerstone of the Gulf South’s cultural landscape. In 2024, the orchestra received a Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album for its collaboration Live: Orpheum Theater NOLA, marking a historic achievement in its artistic legacy. The LPO is devoted to enriching the region’s cultural life through exceptional symphonic performances, innovative programming, and robust community engagement.
