About the Instructor

Cellist Veronica Nettles Kolegas is a versatile performer and pedagogue based out of Chicago, IL. Recently described as “alluring” in the Wall Street Journal, she focuses her performance on Chamber Music and innovative cross-genre collaborations and dedicates much of her time to teaching artistry. Cross-genre focuses include Latin American music from Tango ensembles to Cuban Charanga groups and collaborations in Indo-Jazz and Klezmer music, incorporating improvised cello. In the classical realm, Kolegas is most passionate about chamber music and is a member of the Ursa Ensemble, a group dedicated to presenting music old and new, commissioning contemporary works and collaborating with artists of other disciplines. Kolegas leads the ensemble’s Ursa Ed program which provides educational outreach concerts for youth.

Kolegas received her Bachelors Degree from the University of Toronto under Shauna Rolston and David Hetherington, her Graduate Degree at DePaul University under Stephen Balderston and Performers Certificate for String Quartet Performance with the Avalon Quartet. She maintains cello studios at DePaul University CMD, the Musical Offering of Evanston, and a private studio from her home.