Watch Leia's performace with LSO under Sir Simon Rattle
Read Leia's appointment with LMP below:
London Mozart Players (LMP) has announced Leia Zhu as Artist in Residence. In this role Leia will embed herself within the orchestra, enjoying opportunities to perform chamber music as well as taking solo roles. Leia will play a crucial role in LMP’s residencies in Croydon and Hastings, inspiring and motivating her peers through educational projects.
On the appointment Leia Zhu said:
“Two years ago I enjoyed my first collaboration with LMP and we connected with immediate sparks. We planned many projects for the following year that were unfortunately cancelled due to COVID, so I am really looking forward to performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto with them at Fairfield Halls on 9 October, and to work closely with them thereafter. The support, nurture and family-like environment with LMP is a dream for any young musician and I feel so privileged to be a part of this fantastic initiative and super excited for the perspective of working with one of the best chamber orchestras. Together with the London Mozart Players, I look forward to not only entertain regular concert goers but also bring classical music to communities and schools, especially to young people around my age. Exciting times ahead!”
Julia Desbruslais, Executive Director of the London Mozart Players, commented:
“LMP has a long tradition of nurturing young stars at the beginning of their careers, and we are thrilled to be working with Leia, her family and HarrisonParrott to ensure that this young star has the perfect environment in which to hone her outstanding musical ability. There are such pressures on talented young people these days, and we intend to support Leia at this crucial time so that she can feel at home with LMP, and take whatever help she needs from us in the spirit of collaboration and support. Our concert at Fairfield Halls is the perfect start to this nurturing relationship!”
Leia Zhu begins her residency on Saturday 9 October performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto at Fairfield Halls, with conductor Jonathan Bloxham, as part of the orchestra’s “Spotlight on…” series. The concert will also be available to stream online for a limited period afterwards via the LMP website.
The 14-year-old violinist will begin her residency with a performance of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto on 9 October, as well as enjoying mentorship opportunities from members of the orchestra 14-year-old violinist Leia Zhu has been named as the London Mozart Players’ new artist in residence. She will kick off her series of solo engagements with the orchestra on 9 October, performing the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto at Fairfield Halls in Croydon. The performance will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on 12 October. Zhu’s engagements will also include chamber concerts and educational and outreach projects with young players and school music departments, with the orchestra stating they will work closely with Zhu, her family and her teacher Itzhak Rashkovsky to nurture her talent. Zhu will also enjoy tailored mentorship from the LMP’s leaders Ruth Rogers and Simon Blendis. Zhu began playing the violin at the age of four, already enjoying an international solo career before the pandemic, having performed with Tel Aviv Soloists Ensemble, Festival Strings Lucerne, National Orchestra of Belgium conducted by Maxim Vengerov, and Russian State Symphony Orchestra - all before reaching her teens. In August 2021, she performed as soloist with the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle at the BMW Classics concert in Trafalgar Square.
Read: Violin prodigy Leia Zhu to perform at free BMW Classics concert in Trafalgar Square Read: When young violinist Leia Zhu met the great Ida Haendel Read: 12-year-old violinist Leia Zhu plays Kodály with cellist Amit Peled
