Biography
Yue Yu, named one of Classic FM’s "30 under 30" Rising Stars of 2022, is a Chinese violist celebrated for her vibrant solo performances. She was awarded first prizes at prestigious competitions including the Paul Hindemith Viola Concorso and the Stockport International Young Musicians Competition. Her debut album on the Naxos label, featuring works by Britten, Imogen Holst, and Bowen, has garnered international praise, and was mentioned "being on par" with Lawrence Power and Simon Crawford-Phillips's Bowen CD.
Chamber music is her greatest joy, she loves to connect with people via music, and enjoys surprising herself with spontaneously managed ideas. She has collaborated with renowned artists such as Steven Isserlis, Clive Greensmith and Pavel Gililov, and participated in festivals including IMS Prussia Cove OCM, Ravinia, Wye Valley Chamber Music, and the inaugural edition of the VIVACISSIMO Festival. From 2023 to 2025, she was an academist with the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin, and from season 2025/26, she will be playing as 1. Solo Viola (first principal viola) with the Magdeburgische Philharmonie. She is also a familiar guest with the Salzburg Camerata and Ensemble Esperanza.
Yue holds degrees from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the Universität Mozarteum Salzburg with Dr. Louise Lansdown and Professor Thomas Riebl. She loves playing on the viola made by Enrico Ceruti in 1865, generously loaned to her by the Hepner Foundation.
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Last updated: Oct 2025