Academy Student Spotlight: Lily Sullivan
March 25th, 2025
"The music I get to play is too good not to continue. I also feel as if this is what I have to do. "
Lily Sullivan, 17, is a merit scholarship Fellow at the Music Institute of Chicago’s Academy, a premier training center for advanced pre-college musicians. In her fourth year, she studies with Grigory Kalinovsky, a faculty member at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, and commutes each week from Indianapolis, IN to continue her studies.
Lily’s musical journey began at age five when she started studying violin at the OCU Children’s Performing Arts Program under the guidance of Karén Khanagov. Over the years, she has accumulated impressive experience, including a solo orchestral debut at age seven and performances with renowned ensembles such as the Ann Arbor and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestras.
Her love for music was sparked by classic cartoons like Tom and Jerry, Peanuts, and Little Einsteins. As Lily puts it, “The music I get to play is too good not to continue. I also feel as if this is what I have to do.”
Lily was named Third Prize winner at the 10th International Louis Spohr Competition for Young Violinists in Weimar, Germany, and won First Place in the 2023 Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Michael Ben & Illene Komisarow Maurer Young Musicians Contest. She has also earned top honors in the Barnett, Rembrandt, and Chicago National Chamber Music Competitions. In 2024, she performed at the Chicago Youth in Music Festival and appeared on WFMT Introductions. She was also selected for the From the Top broadcast in February 2025, performing Beethoven’s Sonata No. 4 in A Minor. As a Young Steinway Artist, Lily has performed in the North Shore Chamber Music Festival’s Onstage/Offstage Series and played in masterclasses with esteemed musicians such as Mauricio Fuks, Mihaela Martin, and Midori.
She was recently named to the Pura Musica Artists roster, an innovative international artist management company that helps conductors, instrumentalists, and singers share their talent with the world. Founded by Wiebke Küster, Pura Musica Artists represents emerging talent across the U.S. and Europe. Küster offered Lily a coveted spot on her roster and will represent her for the next three years, providing special performance opportunities with orchestras.
“I’ve always wanted a career in music, and this gets me one step closer," Lily shares. She looks forward to the opportunities Pura Musica Artists will offer and credits her time in the Academy for preparing her for moments like this. "My time at the Academy has given me the maturity and confidence I need to develop my artistry."
When asked about the most rewarding part of being part of the Academy community, she highlights the invaluable life skills and musical growth gained through concert experiences and relationships. Some of her favorite Academy memories include playing chamber music with friends, conducting enrichments, and the annual Sharks vs. Jets games. She describes her musical journey with the phrase, "Slow success builds character," and holds onto the advice: “Listen to your sound, not your feelings!” and “It’s about the marathon, not the race.”
Looking ahead, she shares that she has college decisions coming up and is excited to be learning lots of new repertoire now that her auditions are complete. Outside of music, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs.
"Lily’s exceptional talent as a violinist is undeniable, but what truly sets her apart is her character. She is a natural leader, inspiring those around her with confidence. She leads by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic that motivates her peers," shares Academy Executive Director Sue Polutnik. "Lily has always fostered a welcoming environment in the program, and above all, Lily is deeply dependable and committed – making her an invaluable member of the Academy community."