Brilliant young cellist joins NZSO

British cellist Andrew Joyce has joined the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, making his debut this week as NZSO Principal Cello.

Andrew Joyce has performed all over the world with the London Symphony and London Philharmonic Orchestras, and has been Guest Principal with Northern Sinfonia, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He also enjoys a busy career as both soloist and chamber musician.

Norwich-born, he pursued his musical studies at the Purcell School of Music with Amanda Truelove and Michal Kaznowski, the Royal College of Music with Alexander Boyarsky, and at Germany’s Lübeck Academy of Music with Troels Svane.

Andrew Joyce begins his appointment with the national tour of NZSO Soloists, opening in Wellington this Thursday. NZSO Chief Executive Peter Walls has extended him a warm welcome.

“I’m delighted that Andrew, a brilliant young cellist, is joining the NZSO as Principal Cello. And the best of it is that we don’t lose our former Principal, David Chickering, who I hope will continue playing in the section for many years to come.”

Andrew Joyce’s arrival marks one of several changes to the cello section, with the voluntary stepping down of several long-standing players from their positions.

David Chickering is now Associate Principal while Allan Chisholm becomes Assistant Sub Principal. Brigid O’Meeghan is now Assistant Sub Principal Emeritus of the section.