Robert Jesselson is a renowned cellist and professor of music at the University of South Carolina. Born in New York City in 1946, Jesselson began playing the cello at the age of 10. He studied at the Juilliard School with Leonard Rose and Channing Robbins, and later earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Orlando Cole. After completing his studies, Jesselson began his professional career as a cellist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. He later joined the Cleveland Orchestra, where he played for 10 years under the direction of George Szell. During his time with the Cleveland Orchestra, Jesselson also performed as a soloist with the orchestra, playing works by composers such as Haydn, Dvorak, and Schumann. In 1977, Jesselson left the Cleveland Orchestra to become a professor of music at the University of South Carolina. He has since become a highly respected teacher and mentor to many young cellists, and has been recognized for his contributions to music education with numerous awards and honors. As a performer, Jesselson has continued to play as a soloist and chamber musician, and has collaborated with many notable musicians, including pianist Menahem Pressler and violinist Itzhak Perlman. He has also recorded several albums, including a collection of Bach's cello suites and a recording of works by contemporary American composers. One of Jesselson's most notable performances was his 1985 debut at Carnegie Hall, where he performed the Dvorak Cello Concerto with the New York String Orchestra under the direction of Alexander Schneider. The performance was widely praised by critics, who noted Jesselson's "rich, warm tone" and "impeccable technique." In addition to his work as a performer and teacher, Jesselson has also been active in promoting new music for the cello. He has commissioned and premiered works by many contemporary composers, including William Bolcom, David Ott, and Carter Pann. Throughout his career, Jesselson has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. In 2000, he was awarded the Governor's Award in the Arts by the South Carolina Arts Commission, and in 2014 he was named a Distinguished Professor by the University of South Carolina. He has also been recognized by the American String Teachers Association and the National Association of Schools of Music for his outstanding contributions to music education. Today, Jesselson continues to teach and perform, and remains a highly respected figure in the world of classical music. His dedication to music education and his passion for the cello have inspired countless young musicians, and his contributions to the world of music will continue to be felt for many years to come.

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