UK’s Sinfonia Cymru Appoints New Orchestral Leader

28-year-old violinist Haim Choi will step into the role this September

Working with some of the best under-30s musicians from Wales and from across the world, the UK’s Sinfonia Cymru has recognized a new Orchestral Leader in violinist Haim Choi.

Choi will begin her new role this week as she joins the ensemble’s Autumn String Quartet in Hay on Wye and Lampeter from September 14, 2024. 

Her recent projects with the group have included leading tours with saxophonist Jess Gillam and guitarist Sean Shibe and some of the ensemble’s Mainly Village Halls tours.

A graduate of both the Yehudi Menuhin School and the Royal College of Music, Choi has been performing with Sinfonia Cymru for three years. Choi is also Co-Leader of the Glyndebourne Sinfonia and the first violinist of the award-winning Salomé Quartet.

She was recently Music Director of the acclaimed London West End/Bristol Old Vic production “Dr Semmelweis,” where she worked closely 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, King Charles presented her with the prestigious Tagore Gold Medal, and she was invited to perform at Buckingham Palace.

Additionally, Choi is the Cultural Ambassador of UNESCO Korea and teaches at Eton College and the Yehudi Menuhin School.

As Sinfonia Cymru’s new leader, Choi will continue to lead orchestral and chamber projects and contribute to music selections, programming direction, auditions, and talent searches.

“I’m delighted and honored to continue my work with Sinfonia Cymru as its new Leader, a role that enables me to make music with wonderful friends and colleagues, under the ethos of bringing excellent music to wide audiences,” Choi said in the press release. “I have had a variety of memorable Sinfonia Cymru projects over the past years and look forward to many more eclectic, versatile, and creative collaborations over the next seasons.”

“We are thrilled that Haim will be joining the Artistic Team as orchestral Leader,” added Sinfonia Cymru’s CEO Caroline Tress. “Her extraordinary talent, versatility, and passion for collaborating with like-minded musicians and ensembles of all sizes makes her an ideal fit for Sinfonia Cymru as we embark on our next musical adventures.”