Korean cellist Boseong Cho takes up the role from October 2025
The United Arab Emirates National Orchestra (UAENO) in Abu Dhabi has appointed Korean cellist Boseong Cho as its first principal cellist, effective October 2025.
Cho’s appointment follows UAENO’s recruitment drive for the orchestra’s first full season. The international audition process attracted more than 3,000 applicants from 65 countries.
Cho studied with Kangho Lee at the Korea National University of Arts and later with Ulf Tischbirek at Germany’s Lübeck Academy of Music. He pursued further studies through masterclasses with world-renowned cellists including Yo-Yo Ma, Frans Helmerson, Antonio Meneses, Arto Noras, David Geringas and Maria Kliegel.
Cho is a laureate of the London International Concerto Competition, the Jeonju International Cello Competition and the Kumho Art Hall Young Artist Chamber Audition.
He has performed widely as a soloist and chamber musician across Europe and Asia, appearing with ensembles including the London City Philharmonic Orchestra. In the US, he served as principal cellist of the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra.
From 2023, he was a member of the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, while also working as artistic director of The Road of Classics, an agency supporting musicians and promoting cross-cultural collaboration.
Cho said he was honoured to take up the new role. ‘Music is a universal language that unites people beyond borders,’ he said.
‘It is a great privilege to contribute to the UAE’s vibrant artistic community and to join fellow musicians from around the world in shaping the UAE National Orchestra.’
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