Surin Koh

Surin Koh, 13, is an 8th-grade student at Stoller Middle School in Portland, Oregon. She began studying the cello at the age of eight under the guidance of Hyun-Jin Kim.

She joined the Portland Youth Philharmonic (PYP) organization in 2023, serving as co-principal cellist of the Portland Youth String Ensemble (PYSE) and later performing with the Portland Youth Conservatory Orchestra (PYCO). Beginning this year, she is a member of the flagship PYP orchestra. Over the past two years, she has also performed in PYP Chamber Concerts as part of the PYSE Sextet and the PYCO Quartet. Through her ensemble work, she had the opportunity to participate in a masterclass with the Aeolus Quartet.

In 2026, Surin received an Honorable Mention at the Oregon Music Teachers Association (OMTA) Competitive Baroque Festival, and an Outstanding Achievement award at the OMTA Romantic/Contemporary Festival. Her summer studies in 2026 included participating in the Seattle Symphony Young Artist Collaborative.

In addition to the cello, Surin has studied the piano for seven years, earning Outstanding Achievement awards at the OMTA Romantic/Contemporary Festivals in both 2024 and 2026.

Outside of music, Surin enjoys crafting miniatures, listening to music, and trying new food.