Sara Scanlon

New York City-based classical cellist specializing in chamber music, small ensembles, and solo repertoire. Recognized for her passionate, expressive playing and a thoughtful approach to musical collaboration. Dedicated to creating engaging and memorable musical performances across a wide range of performance settings.

Richard Aaron | January 2017–Present
Cello — The Juilliard School / Robert McDuffie Center for Strings

Joel Krosnick | September 2022–2025
Cello — The Juilliard School

Julie Albers | September 2018–2022
Cello — Robert McDuffie Center for Strings

Minhye Clara Kim | September 2012–December 2016
Cello — Juilliard Pre-College

• Rising Artist, The Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach, 2025
• Honors Chamber Music Program, The Juilliard School, 2023
• Winner, Townsend School of Music Concerto Competition, 2021
• Finalist, Stulberg International Competition, 2019
• Full Scholarship, Robert McDuffie Center for Strings, Mercer University, 2018
• Winner, Chappaqua Orchestra Concerto Competition, 2018
• Finalist, Orford Music Award - Performed in the Orford Grand Prix Gala, 2016
• Featured Performer, NPR's From the Top, 2016
• 1st Place, Age Category, Adelphi Orchestra Concerto Competition, 2016
• Finalist, National Young Artist Competition - Performed Elgar's Cello Concerto with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, 2016
• Semifinalist, Blount-Slawson Concerto Competition, 2016
• Honorable Mention, National YoungArts, 2016
• Finalist, Summerfest Concerto Competition, 2015
• Winner, Hamden Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition - Performed with the Hamden Symphony Orchestra, 2015
• Featured Ensemble Cellist, Sejong Music Festival, Field Concert Hall, 2014
• Semifinalist, Young Tchaikovsky International Competition, 2014
• Winner, Young Artist Showcase Competition, Stamford, CT, 2013

Music@Menlo International Program | Summer 2025

The Rome Chamber Music Festival | Summers 2021, 2023 & 2025

Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Program | Summers 2019, 2021, 2023 & 2024

Toronto Summer Music Festival | Summer 2022

Center Stage Strings | Summer 2018

Aspen Music Festival — David Finckel & Wu Han Chamber Music Program | Summer 2017

Orford Music Festival | Summers 2016, 2017 & 2018

PyeongChang Music Festival | Summer 2016

Curtis Summerfest | Summer 2015

• Trio Ariél, 2025, Present
• The Jupiter Symphony Chamber Players, 2023, Present
• The Blue Hill Piano Trio, 2022, 2024
• The Vox Celli Juilliard Cello Ensemble, 2022, 2024
• The Juilliard Orchestra, 2022, 2024
• Macon-Mercer Symphony Orchestra, Principal Cellist, 2018, 2022
• Robert McDuffie Center for Strings Octet, 2018, 2019
• Juilliard Pre-College Orchestra, 2013, 2018
• String Quartet, Juilliard Pre-College, 2013, 2018
• Juilliard Pre-College Piano Trio, 2013, 2018