Sinfonia Cymru, renowned for collaborating with top young musicians from Wales and around the world, has announced violinist Haim Choi as its new Orchestral Leader.
Choi will officially start her role this week, joining the ensemble’s Autumn String Quartet in Hay on Wye and Lampeter from September 14, 2024.
Her recent collaborations with Sinfonia Cymru include leading tours alongside saxophonist Jess Gillam and guitarist Sean Shibe, as well as participating in the ensemble’s Mainly Village Halls tours.
A graduate of the Yehudi Menuhin School and the Royal College of Music, Choi has been a member of Sinfonia Cymru for three years. She also serves as Co-Leader of the Glyndebourne Sinfonia and is the first violinist of the award-winning Salomé Quartet.
Choi was recently the Music Director for the acclaimed London West End/Bristol Old Vic production “Dr Semmelweis,” where she collaborated with Sir Mark Rylance, Tom Morris OBE, and composer Adrian Sutton.
Her accolades include first prize and the Luigi Boccherini Award at the Virtuoso & Belcanto Chamber Music Competition. In 2022, she received the prestigious Tagore Gold Medal from King Charles and performed at Buckingham Palace.
In addition to her new role, Choi is the Cultural Ambassador of UNESCO Korea and teaches at Eton College and the Yehudi Menuhin School.
As Sinfonia Cymru’s new Orchestral Leader, Choi will lead orchestral and chamber projects, and be involved in music selection, programming, auditions, and talent searches.
“I’m delighted and honored to continue my work with Sinfonia Cymru as its new Leader,” Choi stated in the press release. “This role allows me to make music with wonderful friends and colleagues while bringing excellent music to diverse audiences. I look forward to many more creative and versatile collaborations in the coming seasons.”
Sinfonia Cymru’s CEO Caroline Tress expressed excitement about Choi’s appointment, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Haim to the Artistic Team as Orchestral Leader. Her exceptional talent, versatility, and passion for working with musicians and ensembles of all kinds make her an ideal fit as we embark on our next musical ventures.”
