Chris Hoyle Announced as New Head of School of Strings

The RNCM is delighted to announce that Chris Hoyle has been appointed Head of School of Strings, commencing on 1 June 2013.

An alumnus of the RNCM, Chris has enjoyed a diverse musical life as a cellist, working extensively as a chamber musician, orchestral player, soloist and teacher.  During 23 years with the BBC Philharmonic, he made over 100 CD recordings, and played in over 100 Proms concerts. Chris has performed as Guest Principal Cello with many orchestras in the UK, and given solo concerts nationwide, including a performance of Schnittke's Cello Sonata in the presence of the composer at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, and more recently the world première of a new work for solo cello and choir by the composer Cecilia McDowall.  He is active as a chamber musician, working with the McFarlane String Quartet, Psappha and several small ensembles within the BBC, and broadcasting regularly for radio and television.

No stranger to the College, Chris joined the Junior RNCM as a Tutor in Cello in 2002 before taking the position of Deputy Head of School of Strings in 2010. Talking of his new appointment, he said: ‘It's a great honour to be leading the School of Strings at the RNCM and to be working with such a team of fine string teachers. I've spent 25 years working as a performer in the heart of the music profession: I know its demands and the challenges which music students face. My approach is to maintain the very highest artistic ideals, yet to speak of their attainment in plain English, to demystify the arts and to educate the students with total focus. I'm as passionate about music-making as ever and my hope is that the RNCM's string students will themselves enjoy a fulfilling career within this profession.’

Professor Linda Merrick, RNCM Principal, said on behalf of the College: ‘I am delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Hoyle to the role of Head of School of Strings. His reputation as a performer and teacher is exceptional, and the decision to offer him this prestigious role has been warmly welcomed by staff, students and the College's many orchestral partners. Chris has achieved a significant amount in the short time he has been Acting Head of School, and we anticipate the School growing from strength to strength under his leadership in the years to come.’

21 May 2013