The Royal Scottish National Orchestra Announces Principal Cellist

Australian cellist Pei-Jee Ng will become a permanent member of the orchestra as of June 2023

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) has welcomed Australian cellist Pei-Jee Ng to the position of principal cellist. Ng was selected following an audition and trial process including performing with the RSNO at the 2022 Edinburgh International Festival and at RSNO’s recent chamber series concert with its principal musicians.

“We are delighted to announce…our new Principal Cellist,” RNSO wrote. “Pei-Jee will join us for concerts in February and March [2023], before becoming a permanent member of the Orchestra from June 2023. Welcome to the RSNO family, Pei-Jee!”

“The wonderful RSNO are a force of nature in concert,” Ng said. The musicians have this incredible magnetism and rapport when performing together. It is a thrill and an honor to be joining them next year as their Principal Cello.”

Since 2015, Ng served as co-principal cello of the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Having studied at Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium of Music, Royal Northern College of Music, and the Royal Academy of Music in the UK, Ng’s mentors have included Barbara Yelland, Janis Laurs, Hannah Roberts, Ralph Kirshbaum, Jo Cole, Colin Carr, and Sung-Won Yang.

Appearing in venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Centre, Konzerthaus Berlin, Wigmore Hall, and the Sydney Opera House, he has played solo with six major Australian symphony orchestras, the Hong Kong Philharmonic, Philharmonia Orchestra, and Oulu Symphony, plus performed with the National Taiwan Symphony, Malaysian Philharmonic, Singapore Symphony, and Estonian National Symphony.

His many awards include the Queen’s Commendation for Excellence, 2001 Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year, and the 2008 Young Concert Artists Trust auditions prize. He was also a prize winner at the 2011 Trieste International Chamber Music Competition and is a member of the award-winning Fournier Trio.