Leighton Fong is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant impact in the world of music. He was born on August 22, 1979, in San Francisco, California, to a family of musicians. His father was a pianist, and his mother was a violinist, so it was no surprise that Leighton developed an interest in music at a young age. Leighton began playing the cello when he was just four years old. He showed a natural talent for the instrument and quickly progressed. He studied under the guidance of renowned cellists such as Bonnie Hampton, Richard Aaron, and Timothy Eddy. He also attended the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree. After completing his undergraduate studies, Leighton continued his education at the Juilliard School in New York City. He studied with Joel Krosnick, a renowned cellist and member of the Juilliard String Quartet. Leighton earned his Master of Music degree from Juilliard and went on to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Michigan. Throughout his career, Leighton has performed with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras and ensembles. He has been a member of the San Francisco Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the New York String Orchestra, and the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra. One of Leighton's most notable performances was his solo debut with the San Francisco Symphony in 2003. He performed the Dvorak Cello Concerto, which was met with critical acclaim. The San Francisco Chronicle praised his "rich, burnished tone and impeccable technique," and the San Francisco Examiner called his performance "a revelation." Leighton has also been recognized for his exceptional talent and dedication to music. He has won numerous awards and competitions, including the Irving M. Klein International String Competition, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, and the Coleman Chamber Music Competition. He was also a recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant in 2005. In addition to his performing career, Leighton is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at the University of Michigan, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and the University of California, Berkeley. He is currently a professor of cello at the University of Utah School of Music. Leighton is known for his versatility as a musician. He has performed a wide range of repertoire, from classical to contemporary music. He has also collaborated with a variety of artists, including Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Joshua Bell. Leighton's passion for music extends beyond the concert hall. He is also an advocate for music education and has worked with organizations such as the Sphinx Organization and the San Francisco Symphony's Adventures in Music program to bring music to underserved communities. In conclusion, Leighton Fong is a talented and accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant impact in the world of music. His exceptional talent, dedication, and versatility have earned him numerous accolades and opportunities throughout his career. He continues to inspire and educate future generations of musicians, making a lasting impact on the world of classical music.

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