Khelsey Zarraga

Of African American and Venezuelan descent, Khelsey Zarraga is a violinist, educator, and social justice advocate based in Chicago, IL. 

As a chamber musician, Khelsey is a proud member of D-Composed, an all-Black chamber music collective celebrating the works of Black composers. As a member of D-Composed, she has collaborated with acclaimed artists and creatives such as Jamila Woods, Tricia Hersey, Cheryl Lynne Bruce, Pamela Z, Nathalie Joachim, and Plinio Fernandes. She is also the violinist of Black Moon Trio, where she enjoys the exploration of new works and innovative collaboration. The trio released their first album, Principal, in 2024, and can be frequently heard on Chicago’s premier classical radio station, WFMT. 

Khelsey was previously the violinist and Director of Operations of Fifth House Ensemble, and violinist of Lincoln Center Stage, the Residency Chamber Ensemble aboard Holland America cruise line, in partnership with the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. She has enjoyed performing across Europe, South America, and the Caribbean and in venues such as the Chicago Theater, Kaufman Music Center, Sala São Paulo, Wilbur Theater, and Harris Theater. 

Khelsey is a mentor for the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative and has been in residence and led masterclasses at the Jacobs School of Music, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Connecticut SummerFest, Southeast Missouri State University, Centre College, and Denison University.

Photo Credit: Sulyiman Stokes