Cellist Wei Yu Appointed to Faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Music

Yu is the Detroit Symphony's principal cellist and will retain this position while teaching a select CIM studio

The Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) has announced the appointment of Wei Yu, the principal cello of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO). Yu has previously served as visiting faculty, but now receives a full faculty appointment. He will maintain his orchestral position while also teaching a select studio at CIM.

Yu has held his position with the DSO since 2014, and made his solo debut with the ensemble the next year, in a performance of the Dvořák Cello Concerto.

Prior to his arrival in Detroit, he spent seven seasons in the cello section of the New York Philharmonic. He also frequently appears as a chamber musician, collaborating with major artists at the leading festivals in the United States.

Yu studied at North Park University and The Juilliard School, and he has taught at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, the Interlochen Arts Camp, Meadowmount, and at Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra.

"In his short time at CIM, Wei Yu has quickly become a treasure and one of the friendliest faces on campus," said Executive Vice President and Provost Scott Harrison. "He is universally praised by students and his fellow faculty alike, and we are delighted to increase his role at CIM as he helps us deepen our impact on the future of classical music."

"CIM is indeed lucky to welcome cellist Wei Yu to their prestigious faculty," said Hans Jørgen Jensen, cello professor at the Bienen School and Yu’s former teacher. "He is a fantastic cellist and cello teacher. I have followed his amazing career for many years, and I congratulate CIM on hiring Wei Yu."