Seula Lee joined the first violin section of the North Carolina Symphony in the 2024/25 season. Music has always been at the center of her life, shaping not just her career, but her sense of purpose and connection with others.
Before this new role, Lee had served as Guest Concertmaster with the Richardson Symphony Orchestra and performed with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, and the Dallas, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh symphony orchestras. Each of these experiences has been a chance to grow and learn, and she remains grateful for the opportunities to make music alongside such inspiring colleagues.
Lee has always had a deep love for chamber music. As a member of the Zora String Quartet, she was recognized at competitions such as the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, and the Coleman Chamber Music Competition. These experiences, along with performances at festivals like the Verbier Festival, Bravo! Vail, and Chamber Music Northwest, have been highlights of her musical journey.
Beyond ensemble work, Lee is a prize-winning soloist, recognized in competitions like the Sheila & Werner Harms Young Artist Competition, the Coeur d’Alene Symphony National Young Artist Competition, and the Vernell Gregg Young Artists Competition—resulting in her orchestral debut in 2013, performing with the North Texas Symphony Orchestra and the Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra.
Teaching and working with young musicians has always been important to Lee. She has enjoyed her roles as a teaching artist at Curtis Summerfest, a Community Artist Fellow at the Curtis Institute of Music, and an Associate Instructor at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. She has recently worked with the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra in Indianapolis, where she coaches and mentors developing musicians in side-by-side concerts with Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Watching students grow as artists has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of her life in music.
Lee’s musical journey began at age 10 and quickly became a deep passion. Her path has led her to study at the University of North Texas, Indiana University, and the Curtis Institute of Music. She is deeply thankful for the guidance of her mentors, including Songyoung Kim, Philip Lewis, Grigory Kalinovsky, Ida Kavafian, and Steven Tenenbom, who have shaped her as both a musician and a person.
Lee is honored to continue sharing her love of music with audiences and students alike, and she looks forward to all the learning and growth that the future holds.