Bailey School of Music at Kennesaw State University Appoints New Director

Cellist Jesús Castro-Balbi will take on the role at the Georgia-based Conservatory effective July 1, 2021

Mr. Castro-Balbi has previously guest taught at Yale School of Music, The Juilliard School, the Central Conservatory in Beijing, the Paris Conservatoire, Leipzig and Stuttgart Hochschule, and the Japan Cello Society.

As a performer, he previously soloed with the Denmark, Dallas, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestras and the China, Louisiana, and Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestras. He has presented 53 premiere performances of pieces for cello and has played in renowned venues including Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Shanghai Oriental Arts Center, and Suntory Hall in Tokyo.

“Dr. Jesús Castro-Balbi is a world-class concert cellist who brings to KSU a profile of international repute,” said Ivan Pulinkala, Dean of College of the Arts at Kennesaw State University. “I look forward to welcoming him to the leadership cabinet of the College of the Arts and working closely with him to advance the Bailey School of Music with a focus on student success, as well as artistic and scholarly excellence.”

“I am honored and thrilled to join Kennesaw State University at this exciting juncture," Castro-Balbi said in a statement. "KSU’s commitment to student success, innovation, creativity, inclusive excellence, and societal impact is truly inspiring. I look forward to serving the Dr. Bobbie Bailey School of Music at KSU as we celebrate the accomplishments and chart the future of this extraordinary community.”