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San Francisco Conservatory of Music Names Wonhee Bae Chair of String and Piano Chamber Music
The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) announced on 19 August 2026 that violinist Wonhee Bae will assume the position of Chair of String and Piano Chamber Music. In addition to the leadership role, Bae will continue to teach violin and chamber music in the conservatory’s pre‑college program.
Bae, the first violinist of the Esmé Quartet, brings a distinguished performance record to the post. The quartet has appeared at major venues and festivals, including Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Wigmore Hall, the Lucerne Festival, the Verbier Festival, the Hong Kong Arts Festival, and L’Auditori. The group earned first prize and four special prizes at the Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition, and it records exclusively for Alpha Classics. Its debut album, featuring works by Beethoven, Unsuk Chin, and Frank Bridge, received a Diapason d’Or and was named one of the best classical albums of 2020 by WQXR. The second album focused on Benjamin Britten, and the third disc, Nui, is scheduled for release in September 2026.
As a soloist, Bae has performed with the Russian National Orchestra, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra, Iași Philharmonic Orchestra, Korean Chamber Orchestra, Busan Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonie der Nationen, and the Orchestre des Lauréats du Conservatoire de Paris. She has also earned prizes at the Georges Enescu International Competition, the Isang Yun Competition, the Lipizer International Violin Competition, and the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians.
Bae’s educational background includes degrees from the Curtis Institute of Music, the Royal College of Music, the Conservatoire de Paris, and the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln. She studied with Felix Andrievsky, Boris Garlitsky, Svetlin Roussev, and Mihaela Martin.
In a post on social media, Bae expressed her gratitude for the new role: “I’m grateful to be stepping into the role of Chair of String and Piano Chamber Music, and for the opportunity to give back to a part of music that has shaped so much of who I am.” She added, “I’m looking forward to continuing to build on the strong chamber music community at SFCM and creating meaningful opportunities for our students to learn, collaborate, and grow together.” Bae also highlighted the Chamber Tuesday series, noting that it “brings our chamber music majors together with wonderful guest artists throughout the year.”
SFCM, a private conservatory in San Francisco, California, had 447 students as of 2025. The appointment of Bae follows the institution’s strategy to strengthen its chamber music department and expand its pre‑college offerings. The new chair will oversee curriculum development, faculty coordination, and student ensemble programming.
The Esmé Quartet’s success on the international stage has positioned Bae as a prominent figure in contemporary chamber music. The group’s recordings have been praised for their clarity and emotional depth, and their upcoming release Nui is anticipated by critics and listeners alike.
Bae’s dual role as educator and performer exemplifies the link between academic training and professional artistry. Her experience with major orchestras and competition circuits provides a model for students pursuing careers in performance. The SFCM community anticipates that her leadership will enhance the conservatory’s reputation for chamber music excellence.
The announcement was made by SFCM’s administration and confirmed by the conservatory’s official website. No additional statements have been issued by the quartet or the recording label.
In summary, Wonhee Bae’s appointment as Chair of String and Piano Chamber Music at SFCM marks a significant development for the institution’s chamber music program. Her extensive performance background, competitive achievements, and international teaching experience position her to influence the next generation of string players and chamber musicians in San Francisco and beyond.
Bae, the first violinist of the Esmé Quartet, brings a distinguished performance record to the post. The quartet has appeared at major venues and festivals, including Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Wigmore Hall, the Lucerne Festival, the Verbier Festival, the Hong Kong Arts Festival, and L’Auditori. The group earned first prize and four special prizes at the Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition, and it records exclusively for Alpha Classics. Its debut album, featuring works by Beethoven, Unsuk Chin, and Frank Bridge, received a Diapason d’Or and was named one of the best classical albums of 2020 by WQXR. The second album focused on Benjamin Britten, and the third disc, Nui, is scheduled for release in September 2026.
As a soloist, Bae has performed with the Russian National Orchestra, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra, Iași Philharmonic Orchestra, Korean Chamber Orchestra, Busan Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonie der Nationen, and the Orchestre des Lauréats du Conservatoire de Paris. She has also earned prizes at the Georges Enescu International Competition, the Isang Yun Competition, the Lipizer International Violin Competition, and the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians.
Bae’s educational background includes degrees from the Curtis Institute of Music, the Royal College of Music, the Conservatoire de Paris, and the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln. She studied with Felix Andrievsky, Boris Garlitsky, Svetlin Roussev, and Mihaela Martin.
In a post on social media, Bae expressed her gratitude for the new role: “I’m grateful to be stepping into the role of Chair of String and Piano Chamber Music, and for the opportunity to give back to a part of music that has shaped so much of who I am.” She added, “I’m looking forward to continuing to build on the strong chamber music community at SFCM and creating meaningful opportunities for our students to learn, collaborate, and grow together.” Bae also highlighted the Chamber Tuesday series, noting that it “brings our chamber music majors together with wonderful guest artists throughout the year.”
SFCM, a private conservatory in San Francisco, California, had 447 students as of 2025. The appointment of Bae follows the institution’s strategy to strengthen its chamber music department and expand its pre‑college offerings. The new chair will oversee curriculum development, faculty coordination, and student ensemble programming.
The Esmé Quartet’s success on the international stage has positioned Bae as a prominent figure in contemporary chamber music. The group’s recordings have been praised for their clarity and emotional depth, and their upcoming release Nui is anticipated by critics and listeners alike.
Bae’s dual role as educator and performer exemplifies the link between academic training and professional artistry. Her experience with major orchestras and competition circuits provides a model for students pursuing careers in performance. The SFCM community anticipates that her leadership will enhance the conservatory’s reputation for chamber music excellence.
The announcement was made by SFCM’s administration and confirmed by the conservatory’s official website. No additional statements have been issued by the quartet or the recording label.
In summary, Wonhee Bae’s appointment as Chair of String and Piano Chamber Music at SFCM marks a significant development for the institution’s chamber music program. Her extensive performance background, competitive achievements, and international teaching experience position her to influence the next generation of string players and chamber musicians in San Francisco and beyond.