
Saturday, April 10, 2027 - 7:30 PM
Birmingham United Methodist Church
Zuill Bailey & Friends
Zuill Bailey, cellist
Yinzi Kong, violist
Helen Kim, violinist
William Ransom, Artistic Director, pianist
Music Milton is delighted to welcome back Grammy Award-winning cellist Zuill Bailey for an extraordinary evening of chamber music featuring some of the most beloved works in the classical repertoire. Known for his passionate performances, remarkable technical brilliance, and engaging stage presence, Bailey joins an exceptional ensemble of acclaimed musicians for a program that celebrates the timeless genius of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms.
Sharing the stage with Bailey are Music Milton's Artistic Director William Ransom, pianist; acclaimed violist Yinzi Kong; and internationally recognized violinist Helen Kim. Together, these distinguished artists will bring depth, warmth, and extraordinary artistry to each performance, creating an intimate concert experience that showcases the beauty, conversation, and emotional power of chamber music at its finest.




Zuill Bailey
Widely recognized as one of the world's leading cellists, Zuill Bailey is admired not only for his extraordinary technical mastery but also for the warmth, passion, and humanity he brings to every performance. Whether appearing as a soloist with major orchestras, collaborating with distinguished chamber musicians, or championing new works by today's composers, Bailey has built an international reputation for performances that are both deeply expressive and profoundly engaging. His acclaimed recordings—including his celebrated interpretations of the Bach Cello Suites and numerous concerto recordings—have earned widespread critical praise and topped classical music charts.
Beyond the concert stage, Bailey is a dedicated educator and artistic leader, serving as artistic director of several prominent music festivals and mentoring the next generation of musicians. Audiences also know him for his charismatic stage presence and genuine ability to connect with listeners, making every performance feel personal and memorable. Whether interpreting beloved masterpieces or introducing audiences to exciting new works, Zuill Bailey continues to inspire through his artistry, generosity, and enduring passion for music.
Yinzi Kong
Yinzi Kong is an internationally acclaimed violist whose artistry has earned praise on concert stages throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Born in Shanghai, China, she began studying music at the age of five before continuing her education in the United States, earning degrees from the Harid Conservatory and the Manhattan School of Music. As a founding member of the award-winning Vega String Quartet, she has won top honors at prestigious international chamber music competitions and has performed in renowned venues including Carnegie Hall, the Musikverein in Vienna, and Amsterdam's Concertgebouw.
In addition to her distinguished performing career, Kong is a dedicated educator and chamber musician, serving as an Artist Affiliate at Emory University while collaborating regularly with many of today's leading classical artists. Her performances have been featured on NPR's Performance Today and international radio broadcasts, and her expressive playing, refined musicianship, and collaborative spirit have made her a sought-after performer at major music festivals and concert series around the world.
Helen Kim
Helen Kim is an internationally acclaimed violinist whose distinguished career has taken her to concert halls and festivals throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. A native of Canada, she made her orchestral debut with the Calgary Philharmonic at just six years old and has since appeared as a soloist with renowned ensembles including the Boston Pops, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. A graduate of The Juilliard School, where she studied with legendary teachers Dorothy DeLay and Cho-Liang Lin, Kim has earned more than 100 national and international awards and has performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and leading chamber music festivals across the United States and Canada.
In addition to her acclaimed solo and chamber music career, Kim is a passionate educator and serves as Professor of Violin at Kennesaw State University. She previously served as Assistant and Associate Concertmaster of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and is currently Assistant Concertmaster of the Atlanta Opera Orchestra, while remaining an active chamber musician throughout the Southeast. Praised for her expressive artistry, technical brilliance, and collaborative spirit, Helen Kim brings exceptional musicianship and warmth to every performance.
William Ransom
Pianist, Artistic Director, master teacher, editor, and judge for international competitions, William Ransom has appeared around the world as soloist with orchestras, recitalist, and chamber musician. He regularly collaborates with leading musicians including Yo-Yo Ma, Richard Stoltzman, David Shifrin, William Preucil, Stephen Isserlis, Cho-Liang Lin, and members of the Emerson, Tokyo, Cleveland, Juilliard, American, St. Petersburg, Borromeo, Parker, Ariel, Lark, Dover, Vega, Dali, and Attacca String Quartets.
Ransom is the Mary Emerson Professor of Music at Emory University where he is founder and Artistic Director of the Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta. A graduate of The Juilliard School, in the summers, Ransom is Artistic Director of the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival and for a decade was an artist-faculty member at the Kamisaibara Pianists Camp in Japan. In 2016 he was named Artistic Director of the Juneau Jazz and Classics Festival and also one of Musical America Worldwide's “30 Musical Innovators.” In 2022 he was appointed Artistic Director of the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, and in 2024 Chamber Music America awarded him the “Community Impact/Presenter of the Year” prize.