Chris Hoyle
Head of School of Strings
GRNCM, PPRNCM
Email: [email protected]
Chris Hoyle has enjoyed a long and varied career on the concert platform and in the teaching studio, embracing orchestral work, chamber music, solo playing and teaching. His performing life has taken him across the world.
He has worked with many of the UK’s leading orchestras and spent 23 years with the BBC Philharmonic, frequently broadcasting on radio and TV and appearing in more than 100 BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. He has guest-led cello sections in several major orchestras and maintained a full chamber music schedule. A particular highlight has been his extensive touring, performing in major concert halls throughout Europe, the Americas and the Far East, with the memorable experience of playing in the Sahara Desert for the King of Morocco.
Chris has taught in the UK’s specialist music schools and delivered masterclasses at leading conservatoires internationally. As Head of Strings at the Royal Northern College of Music, he enjoys supporting students to reach their full potential and find their place in today’s professional world. He believes the RNCM School of Strings should be an ambitious, supportive community where both students and staff can flourish. When possible, he continues to perform alongside students and colleagues.
He looks back fondly on his own studies at the RNCM, with highlights including winning the Concerto Prize, performing Britten’s Cello Symphony, and appearing in a BBC Masterclass with Paul Tortelier. He also remembers performing Schnittke’s Cello Sonata for the composer at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival.
Raised in the great traditions of the French cello school, Chris studied with Alexander Baillie and Peter Worrall (students of André Navarra); Raphael Sommer (student of Paul Tortelier); Maud Tortelier (student of Pierre Fournier); and Paul Tortelier himself (student of Louis Feuillard and collaborator with Pablo Casals). He is committed to passing on this heritage to the next generation of cellists.
