Acclaimed for her "compelling presence, fearless attack, and technical aplomb and bravado" (The Day), violinist Chelsea Starbuck Smith has performed at major venues across the U.S. and internationally, including Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, David Geffen Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Elbphilharmonie, Musikverein Wien, and Palais de Fontainebleau.
Equally at home in classical, theatrical, and crossover settings, Chelsea has collaborated with Diana Ross, Baz Luhrmann at the Met Gala, Chris Thile, The Eagles, Kelly Clarkson, Debbie Harry & Blondie, The Knights Chamber Orchestra, and Joshua Bell's Chamber Orchestra of America. A seasoned Broadway musician, she has performed in over ten Broadway productions, including her current engagement at & Juliet.
As one half of the crossover duo Les Deux, Chelsea has been recognized for her "keen ear for arranging" (New York Examiner). She has appeared as a soloist with the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra, Southern Finger Lakes Orchestra, and Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, where her performance of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto was called a "show-stopper." Her television appearances include Glee, The Today Show, and a featured role in a national NYU Langone commercial filmed in Grand Central Station.
A graduate of The Juilliard School, Chelsea holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees, studying with esteemed teachers Sally Thomas, David Chan, and Laurie Smukler. She is the recipient of the Norman Benzaquen Career Advancement Grant. A third-generation educator, she has taught as a teaching artist with the New York Philharmonic and currently serves on the faculty at Temple Emanu-El and the Charles Ives Music Festival. Chelsea loves sharing her passion for music and is proud to teach an inspiring group of students, ages 3–21, helping each cultivate their unique voice and artistic path.
Offstage, Chelsea shares the spotlight with her Scottish Fold, Leonard "Lenny" Bernstein, whose charisma rivals that of his famous namesake.
Her recordings include her debut album with Les Deux and an EP with pianist Adam Rothenberg, featuring the Corigliano Sonata. She performs on a 2004 Kurt Widenhouse violin.
