New York Philharmonic Cellist Wei Yu Takes Over Principal Cello of Detroit Symphony Orchestra, 1/5/15

Detroit, (October 30, 2014) - The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) will welcome Wei Yu, currently a member of the New York Philharmonic cello section, as DSO Principal Cello on Jan. 5, 2015. DSO Music Director Leonard Slatkin announced the news Wednesdayevening at a special event at New York's SubCulture celebrating his 70th birthday where Yu was in attendance. Slatkin will conduct the New York Philharmonic at Avery Fisher Hall this weekend in a program featuring Copland, Rouse and Ravel.

Yu was offered the position endowed by James C. Gordon after performing his trial week during the DSO's opening weekend, featuring Brahms' Symphony No. 1 and Sarah Chang performing Barber's Violin Concerto.

"I'm thrilled to have been chosen as principal cellist of this wonderful orchestra," Yu said. "I had such an exciting week in Detroit earlier this fall. I thoroughly enjoyed playing with the highly talented players of the DSO and I appreciated the welcoming atmosphere. I'm looking forward to working with Maestro Slatkin, who is both inspiring and encouraging, and with this world-class ensemble."

Yu, 34, has been a member of the New York Philharmonic since September 2007.

"Principal Cello is a crucial role in the orchestra and I am delighted that Wei Yu has accepted our offer," said Slatkin. "Every aspect of his audition with us was spectacular, from the solo spotlight to his leadership of the section during his trial week. His experience, poise and musicianship impressed everyone and we look forward to his arrival."

About Wei Yu

Cellist Wei Yu joined the New York Philharmonic in September 2007 at age 26. Mr. Yu has been a prizewinner at the Hudson Valley Philharmonic String, Holland American Music Society Cello, Music Teacher National Association (MTNA National Collegiate Strings), Canada's National Music Festival, Calgary's Kiwanis Festival, and China's National Cello competitions. He was invited to play for Mstislav Rostropovich at the Seventh American Cello Congress in 2003.

An avid chamber musician, Mr. Yu has been invited to the Marlboro and Ravinia music festivals, and recently he has collaborated with musicians such as cellist David Soyer, pianists Richard Goode and Menahem Pressler, violinists Midori and Pinchas Zukerman, and members of the Guarneri and Juilliard Quartets. As a member of the New York Philharmonic Ensembles, he makes regular appearances at Merkin Concert Hall.

In the summers of 1998 through 2000, Wei Yu participated in the Morningside Music Bridge program at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada. He subsequently enrolled in the University's Gifted Youth program under the tutelage of John Kadz and is currently on the faculty of the Morningside Music Bridge program. He has given cello master classes at universities and festivals in the United States, Canada, and China.

Born in Shanghai, China, Mr. Yu began studying the cello at age four and made his concerto debut at age eleven performing Elgar's Cello Concerto with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. His principal teachers include Mei-Juan Liu, John Kadz, Hans Jørgen Jensen, and David Soyer. He performs on the 1778 "Ex-Soyer" Gagliano cello, on generous loan from the Marlboro Music Festival.

About The DSO

Hailed by The New York Times as "cutting edge," the internationally acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra, is known for trailblazing performances, visionary maestros, collaborations with the world's foremost musical artists, and an unwavering commitment to Detroit. Esteemed conductor Leonard Slatkin, called "America's Music Director" by the Los Angeles Times, became the 12th Music Director of the DSO during the 2008-09. Acclaimed conductor, arranger, and trumpeter Jeff Tyzik serves as Principal Pops Conductor while celebrated trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard holds the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Jazz Creative Director Chair. The DSO's performance schedule includes Classical, Pops, Jazz, Young People's, Neighborhood concerts, and collaborations with chart-topping musicians from Smokey Robinson to Kid Rock. A commitment to broadcast innovation began in 1922 when the DSO became the first orchestra in the world to present a radio broadcast and continues today with the free Live from Orchestra Hall webcast series. Making its home at historic Orchestra Hall within the Max M. Fisher Music Center, one of America's most acoustically perfect concert halls, the DSO actively pursues a mission to impact and serve the community through music. For more information visit the newly updated dso.org or download the free DSO to Go mobile app.

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