Su-a Lee is one of Scotland’s most versatile, adventurous and charismatic cellists.
Highlights
She has worked with rock icons Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce (Cream); jazz musicians Peter Erskine (Weather Report) and Thomas Strønen; World Music sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan from India and Scottish folk-electronica pioneer Martyn Bennett.
With Eric Clapton at Mark Knopfler’s British Grove Studios just after recording musical saw for him.
British Grove Studios.
Focus
Su-a works extensively within the UK classical and folk music scenes and is a founding member of the daring and highly innovative Mr. McFall’s Chamber. She is a long-standing member of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra where she remains as Assistant Principal Cello.
Mr McFall’s Chamber with Jenna Reid and Harris Playfair.
Scottish Chamber Orchestra Cello team!
Background
Born in Seoul, Su-a (and her sisters Song-a and Hae-a) went to Chethams School of Music, Manchester from the age of 9. Nine years later she was awarded a full scholarship to Juilliard, New York City, studying with Harvey Shapiro.
Playing trios with her sisters back in the day.
With teacher Harvey Shapiro on his 96th birthday - 4 months before he passed away. He was a one in a million: charismatic, intuitive, generous and a wonderful human being.
Worldwide
While she is deeply rooted in her Scottish home, Su-a and her cello have appeared all over the world, from South America to the Arctic Circle. As well as performing in the world’s major concert halls, you are as likely to find her in unorthodox and interesting locations, including Japanese temples, circus tents and waterfalls.
Community
Su-a also likes to bring music into the community. She works in music therapy, taking part in dementia programmes in hospitals throughout Scotland.
Mentor
She has a great passion for education, Su-a has worked with the National Youth Orchestra of Iceland, regularly tutors for National Youth Orchestras of Scotland and GB and is Patron-in-Chief of the Perth Youth Orchestra. She is the Advanced Cello tutor in the Benedetti Foundation.