Le Yu appointed RNCM Deputy Director of Percussion

The RNCM is pleased to announce that Le Yu (Leo) has been appointed to the new position of Deputy Director of Percussion, with immediate effect.

Leo completed both undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the RNCM, including the College’s prestigious International Artist Diploma, and was appointed International Tutor in Marimba in 2017 and an Honorary Associate Artist in 2016. He also holds the position of Visiting Professor at two of the RNCM’s professional partner institutions, the Xi’an and Shenyang Conservatories of Music, and is Vice-President of the China Youth Percussion Group.

Leo has achieved considerable success as both a soloist and member of the Aurora Percussion Duo, and last year led the RNCM Percussion Ensemble on a triumphant tour of China, presenting concerts in Beijing, Tianjin and Wuhan and winning the chamber music category and gold trophy at the China National Youth Percussion Competition in Shanghai.

Nicholas Thompson, Head of the School of Wind, Brass and Percussion, said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Leo to our management team. He is a world-class artist with great energy and passion for the RNCM and as a recent alumnus there can be no one better to inspire our students.’

Working closely with Simone Rebello, Deputy Head of the School of Wind, Brass and Percussion and Director of Percussion, Leo will play in integral role in student recruitment for the School, both in the UK and internationally, in addition to one-to-one tuition, developing the RNCM Percussion Ensemble, and assisting in the delivery of the annual RNCM Percussion Day.

He said: ‘I am thrilled to join Simone as her Deputy Director of Percussion. The RNCM has been my home for many years, and this is where my career started. From joining as an international student to being appointed an International Tutor in Marimba, I’ve learned so much in this great environment, working closely with students and colleagues. I am looking forward to further developing the RNCM percussion department’s international reputation.’

19 June 2019