Violinist Roberto Ruisi Named Concertmaster of the Hallé Orchestra

Ruisi will make his debut in Manchester, England, in early October

It has been a quarter of a century since the Hallé Orchestra last appointed a new Leader. British violinist Roberto Ruisi will make his debut in the role in a performance of Strauss' Ein Heldenleben on October 6, 2022.

Currently the concertmaster of the Welsh orchestra, Sinfonia Cymru, Ruisi has been sitting at the front of orchestras from a young age. By his nineteenth birthday, he led the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, L’Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine, and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.

He is the former winner of the Tagore Gold Medal during his studies at the Royal College of Music, and in 2019, made his recital debut at the Wigmore Hall alongside pianist and duo partner Sten Heinoja.

“I remember watching the Hallé rehearse when I was only a teenager, with Sir Mark Elder conducting,” said Ruisi. “Their previous leader, Lyn Fletcher, was a mentor of mine and invited me to come and watch. I was utterly blown away. To now be in a position to join this cherished orchestra as its new Leader is an honour.”

“Roberto Ruisi is a fabulous young violinist, director and Leader who I first saw leading the National Youth Orchestra and has been warmly embraced our musicians,” said David Butcher, the Hallé’s Chief Executive. “We look ahead to many thrilling concerts and projects ahead with Roberto at the helm.”

“The search has been long and extensive and the clear choice was Roberto Ruisi, in whom we have a hugely talented violinist and Leader whose youth and dynamism will lead this great orchestra’s pioneering spirit in the years to come,” said Sir Mark Elder, the Hallé’s Music Director. “We are all looking forward to his debut in Manchester in Ein Heldenleben, with its formidable violin solo.”