Khelsey Zarraga, Community Partnerships Manager

Of African American and Venezuelan descent, violinist Khelsey Zarraga is a member of Chicago’s Fifth House Ensemble, as well as their Community Partnerships Manager.

As a chamber musician, Khelsey was recently the 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, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and has received mentorship from members of the Pacifica, Penderecki, Rubens, and Afiara quartets.

As a teaching artist, Khelsey held leadership roles with the Fairview Violin Project at Indiana University, and brings a passion for community-focused engagement and the amplification of marginalized voices into her work.

Khelsey received her Master of Music and Bachelor of Music degrees from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, where she studied with Mark Kaplan. In her spare time, Khelsey enjoys perfecting new chocolate chip cookie and brownie recipes.