Randolph Kelly is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant impact in the world of music. He was born on August 10, 1959, in Washington, D.C. to a family of musicians. His father, Robert Kelly, was a jazz pianist, and his mother, Sylvia Olden Lee, was a renowned vocal coach who worked with some of the most prominent singers of the 20th century, including Marian Anderson, Leontyne Price, and Jessye Norman. Kelly grew up in a musical environment and started playing the viola at the age of six. He attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C., where he studied with renowned violist Joseph de Pasquale. After graduating from high school, Kelly went on to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he studied with Michael Tree, the founding member of the Guarneri Quartet. Kelly's career as a professional musician began in 1981 when he joined the National Symphony Orchestra as its youngest member. He quickly established himself as a talented musician and was soon appointed as the principal violist of the orchestra. During his tenure with the National Symphony Orchestra, Kelly performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Royal Albert Hall. In addition to his work with the National Symphony Orchestra, Kelly has also performed as a soloist with many other orchestras, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with some of the most prominent conductors of our time, including Leonard Slatkin, Christoph Eschenbach, and Marin Alsop. One of the highlights of Kelly's career was his performance of the Walton Viola Concerto with the National Symphony Orchestra in 1994. The performance was widely acclaimed, and Kelly was praised for his virtuosic playing and his ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music. Kelly has also been recognized for his work as a chamber musician. He has been a member of the Kennedy Center Chamber Players since 1989 and has performed with many other chamber ensembles, including the Guarneri Quartet, the Emerson Quartet, and the Tokyo Quartet. In 2001, Kelly founded the Potomac String Quartet, which has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe. In addition to his work as a performer, Kelly is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught at the Peabody Conservatory of Music, the University of Maryland, and the Catholic University of America. He has also given masterclasses at many other institutions, including the Juilliard School, the Curtis Institute of Music, and the Royal Academy of Music in London. Kelly's contributions to the world of music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1996, he was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which is given to outstanding young musicians who show great potential for a major career. He has also been awarded the Mayor's Arts Award in Washington, D.C., and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. In conclusion, Randolph Kelly is a highly accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant impact in the world of music. His virtuosic playing, emotional depth, and dedication to teaching have earned him widespread recognition and praise. He continues to inspire and influence musicians and music lovers around the world with his artistry and passion for music.

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