Kal Sugatski

Kal Sugatski (they/them) is a violist and imaginative creator known for their “soul satisfying, bold, political and creative” concert series Vigorous Tenderness, a radically envisioned outdoor chamber music series in Maine. A dynamic musician, Kal has performed with the New York Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Symphony, New York City Ballet, International Contemporary Ensemble, and ChamberQueer, as well as The National, Andrea Boccelli, and Stevie Wonder.  They have also appeared on more than 50 recordings, including Judas and the Black Messiah and other Grammy-winning albums.  

A catalyst for radical change in the arts, Kal’s project Vigorous Tenderness features the work of composers of color, queer composers, and other marginalized voices in classical music, fostering deeper connections between new sounds, community, and the environment. Recognized as a 2022 Mainer of the Year for their groundbreaking arts programming, Kal creates relevant, powerful and experimental concert experiences, responsive to immediate social, political and environmental concerns.  More than 7000 community members have attended a Vigorous Tenderness concert since its inception in 2020.

Kal’s season highlights include performances as principal violist of Orchestra of St. Luke’s, international touring with Max Richter and the American Contemporary Music Ensemble, concerts with new music ensemble Either/Or, backpacking in Tasmania, and Tiny Desk Concerts with Radiohead’s Philip Selway.  They have been featured on NPR twice, both as a soloist and chamber musician and were a 2021-2022 season musician with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.  A regular on Broadway, their appearances include Disney’s The Lion King, Dear Evan Hansen, & Juliet Parade, and they currently hold the violin/viola chair at Lempicka.

A native of Portland, Maine, Kal holds degrees from Oberlin and Manhattan School of Music.  In their spare time they are a long-distance hiker, ocean swimmer, and nature enthusiast.