Christchurch Symphony Orchestra Appoints New Principal Cello

New Zealand cellist Heather Lewis will step into the role

New Zealand's Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO) has recently appointed Heather Lewis as its new Principal Cello. She comes to the position from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO), where she was working on a contract basis.

Hailing originally from Wellington, Lewis undertook her early studies with Euan Murdoch and Emma Goodbehere and made her concerto debut with the Wellington Chamber Orchestra.

She studied for her undergraduate degree at the New Zealand School of Music (NZSM) and the Sydney Conservatorium, where she learned from Umberto Clerici. During this time she reached the finals of the concerto competition at each institution, ultimately winning the NZSM competition in 2013.

Lewis was named as the runner-up at New Zealand's National Concerto Competition, where she also received the Audience Choice Prize.

Lewis has augmented her education with masterclasses, from cellists including Steven Isserlis, Gautier Capuçon, Lynn Harrell, and Nicolas Altstaedt. In addition, she has attended a number of summer schools and academies in Europe, where teachers included Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt, Claudio Bohorquez, and Philippe Muller.

"We are pleased to introduce our new Principal Cello Heather Lewis, who joined CSO early this year after previously working as a cellist for NZSO," the CSO wrote. "We’re thrilled to welcome Heather to Ōtautahi Christchurch as part of our CSO whānau/family!"