Dutch cellist Teije Hylkema is Principal Cellist of the Opera Australia Orchestra, following guest principal roles with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, and Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra.

Teije studied at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and co-founded the award-winning Romeo Quartet, which was mentored by Isaac Stern and performed extensively throughout Europe. Before moving to Australia in 2012, he was Co-Principal Cellist with the Radio Kamer Filharmonie, working with conductors including Jaap van Zweden and Frans Brüggen.

A passionate chamber musician, he has appeared at festivals including Lucerne Festival and locally at the Tyalgum Music Festival, Newcastle Music Festival, and Sydney Chamber Music Festival. He's also a core member of Sensory Concerts®, inclusive classical concerts for neurodiverse audiences.

Recent highlights include a regional NSW tour of his Bach to Bolling program and performing Paul Stanhope's Dawn Lament at sunrise in Uluru. Teije performs on a 1916 cello by Camillo Mandelli da Calco.