Wei Yu, Cello

Wei Yu (Wei.Yu), Cello

Biography

Cellist Wei Yu joined the New York Philharmonic cello section in September 2007 at age 26. Previousy, he was invited to join the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra's USA 70th Anniversary tour led by Zubin Mehta and Lorin Maazel and performed for Mstislav Rostropovich at the Seventh American Cello Congress in 2003.

Mr. Yu has been the top prize winner of many competitions, including the Hudson Valley Philharmonic String Competition, Holland American Music Society in Chicago, Music Teacher National Association National Collegiate Strings, Canada's National Music Festival, Calgary's Kiwanis Festival, and China's National Cello competitions.

An active chamber musician, Mr. Yu participated in the Marlboro and Ravinia music festivals, and has collaborated with musicians such as pianist Richard Goode, violinists Midori and Pinchas Zukerman, and members of the Guarneri and Juilliard Quartets. His performances have been heard live and in recording on Finnish Radio Broadcasting Company and Canadian Broadcasting Company.

Born in Shanghai, China, Mr. Yu began studying the cello at age four and made his concerto debut with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra at age 11. He came to the United States in 2000 to work with Hans Jensen of Northwestern University. He received his master's degree from The Juilliard School, studying with David Soyer on a full scholarship, with the support of the Irene Diamond Graduate Fellowship.