Anthony Kim Wins Classical KING & Kraken Anthem Contest, Performs at Climate Pledge Arena Tonight

Tonight, 12-year-old cellist Anthony Kim will take the ice at Climate Pledge Arena to perform the Canadian national anthem before the Seattle Kraken’s home game against the Montreal Canadiens. As the winner of the Classical KING and Kraken Anthem Contest, Anthony’s performance submission earned him the opportunity to showcase his musicianship in front of thousands of fans.

Born in Portland in 2011, Anthony spent his early years in Basel, Switzerland, where his parents nurtured his passion for art, music, and science. He began studying piano at the age of four before transitioning to the cello at five. Now a student of Dr. Kevin Krentz in Seattle, Anthony has already built an impressive resume, performing at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Lotte Concert Hall, and Benaroya Hall. He made his orchestral debut with the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra at age 10 and performed as a concerto soloist with the Northwest Philharmonia at age 11. His accolades include multiple first-prize awards in international competitions, four Grand Gold Awards at the Music and Awards Competition in Spain, and the prestigious KNS Classical Prize. When he’s not performing, Anthony enjoys skiing and playing basketball.

The Kraken Anthem Contest invited musicians of all ages to submit video performances of the national anthems for a chance to perform live at a Kraken game. Submissions were reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges, including:

• Dave Beck – Chief Announcer and Talent Coach, Classical KING; Cellist; Kraken Super Fan
• James Ehnes – Canadian-American Violinist and Violist; Artistic Director, Seattle Chamber Music Society
• Moya Vazquez – Canadian-American Board Member of Classical KING, Seattle Opera, and numerous arts organizations across the Pacific Northwest
• Nicole Shabaz – Manager, Entertainment Experience and Promotions, Seattle Kraken

The contest attracted a wide array of talented performers, showcasing the rich musical community in the Pacific Northwest. Anthony’s winning submission, an interpretation of the Canadian anthem, stood out among the competition. Watch his winning performance here: YouTube Video.

Classical KING and the Seattle Kraken congratulate Anthony on this incredible achievement. As he steps onto the ice tonight, fans at Climate Pledge Arena will witness a young cellist whose extraordinary talent and passion for music continue to inspire.