Jackie Hager

Jackie Hager is a Rochester-born cellist whose work spans both modern and historical performance practices. She is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Baroque Cello at The Juilliard School, where she previously earned a Master of Music in Cello Performance under the tutelage of Natasha Brofsky. She also holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in cello performance and neuroscience from the University of Michigan, where she studied with Professor Richard Aaron. 

Jackie performs nationally and internationally as both a baroque and modern cellist. She has appeared as a guest soloist with ensembles including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Finger Lakes Symphony, Penfield Symphony, and Genesee Symphony; she performs regularly as a substitute cellist with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and has been featured on classical radio through NPR’s WXXI. In 2024, she toured China with Juilliard415, performing in major concert halls across Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou, Beijing, and Tianjin. She has also performed in venues across Michigan, California and New York City, including Alice Tully and Carnegie Hall.  

An avid chamber musician, Jackie has performed in award-winning ensembles and worked closely with coaches such as Merry Peckham, Joseph Lin, Ron Copes, and Darrett Adkins. Her chamber groups have been recognized for their artistry and collaborative excellence, including an honorable mention at the Briggs Chamber Music Competition. 

Jackie’s festival appearances include Kneisel Hall, Amherst Early Music, Madeline Island Chamber Fellowship, Bowdoin, Heifetz, and the Academy of Fortepiano. She has played in masterclasses for Wolfgang Schmidt, Frans Helmerson, Ludwig Quandt, Patrick Owen, and Jeremy Denk, amongst others.  

In addition to her performance career, Jackie is dedicated to arts leadership and education. She has served as summer faculty at the Hochstein School of Music and Dance and currently maintains a private studio.