Vancouver Symphony Appoints 21-Year-Old New Principal Cellist

The Vancouver Symphony has announced the appointment of 21-year-old American cellist Henry Shapard as its new Principal Cello

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, in British Columbia, Canada has this week announced the appointment of 21-year-old American cellist Henry Shapard as its new Principal Cello.

A student of Ole Akahoshi at Yale University, Henry has previously served as Principal Cellist and Assistant Conductor of the Yale Symphony.

Whilst the ensemble is currently not performing due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Henry will join the orchestra effective immediately and will assist with the digital projects.

“There’s a musical instinctiveness in Henry's playing, which is breathtaking because every time he plays, it sounds like he’s playing it for the first time — there’s that wonderful spontaneity,” Yale Symphony Conductor William Boughton has this week said.