The Hallé is delighted to announce that, following an extensive search process, Roberto Ruisi has been appointed Leader of the Hallé Orchestra. Roberto studied at the Royal College of Music and was awarded the prestigious Tagore Gold Medal. Recognised as one of the UK’s finest young violinists, Roberto appeared as a guest leader for many orchestras, including L’Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, all by the age of 19.

As Leader of the Hallé Roberto will have use of a 1695 Stradivarius violin, known as the ‘Lincoln Strad’. This extraordinary instrument was given to the City of Lincoln in 1970 by the Hon. Mrs Dudley Pelham, and it is on loan to the Leader of the Hallé.

Roberto will make his debut as Leader of the Hallé at The Bridgewater Hall on Thursday 6 October in a performance conducted by the Hallé’s Music Director, Sir Mark Elder. The performance includes Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.3 and features Richard Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben.

Roberto Ruisi said: “I remember watching the Hallé rehearse when I was only a teenager, with Sir Mark Elder conducting. Their previous leader, Lyn Fletcher, was a mentor of mine and invited me to come and watch. I was utterly blown away. To now be in a position to join this cherished orchestra as its new leader is an honour.”

Dobrinka Tabakova has been appointed Artist in Residence for the Hallé’s 2022-23 season. Her exciting and affecting compositions will feature in a variety of concerts throughout the season.

Dobrinka is a composer of ‘exciting, deeply moving’ music (Washington Times), with ‘glowing tonal harmonies and grand, sweeping gestures [which] convey a huge emotional depth’ (The Strad). She has been commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Society, BBC Radio 3 and the European Broadcasting Union. Her debut profile album String Paths, on ECM Records, was praised internationally and nominated for a Grammy in 2014. In 2017 she was appointed Composer in Residence with the BBC Concert Orchestra, which gave the premiere of her Timber & Steel at the 2019 Proms, in a special concert celebrating Sir Henry Wood’s 150th anniversary. Her Concerto for Violin, Strings and Percussion The Patience of Trees was premiered at the Manchester Festival in 2021, and a new album is scheduled to be released on ECM Records in the coming year.

Dobrinka Tabakova said: “I’m thrilled to be working with The Hallé on so many and such varied programmes. Being featured as Artist in Residence allows for a deeper connection both with the musicians and with the audience. I’ve already had a great experience with Manchester audiences over the past year, so to be able to build on this is wonderful. I was excited to be part of the opening concert with my Concerto for Cello and to work with Assistant Conductor and compatriot Delyana Lazarova, together with Guy Johnston. I’m also really looking forward to creating a new work for the Hallé Youth Orchestra and spending more time in Manchester!”

Hallé Chief Executive David Butcher said: “We are delighted to welcome such stellar young talents to the Hallé as we begin our 2022-23 Season. Roberto Ruisi is a fabulous young violinist, director and leader who I first saw leading the National Youth Orchestra and has been warmly embraced by our musicians. We look ahead to many thrilling concerts and projects ahead with Roberto at the helm. Dobrinka Tabakova’s music is beautiful and evocative and we look forward to introducing our audiences to her music and programming this season, including new works and a recording released on our own label.”

Hallé Music Director Sir Mark Elder said: "These are two thrilling appointments, both of which will enrich our great orchestra. The search has been long and extensive and the clear choice was Roberto Ruisi in whom we have a hugely talented violinist and leader whose youth and dynamism will lead this great orchestra’s pioneering spirit in the years to come. We are all looking forward to his debut in Manchester in Ein Heldenleben, with its formidable violin solo. Dobrinka Tabakova’s music has already been recognised around the world, and her ability to connect audiences and musicians with her compositions is remarkable. These are exciting times for the Hallé and I look forward to working with both of these new members of the Hallé family."

LINKS FOR EDITORS
Hallé main website www.halle.co.uk
Hallé latest biography www.halle.co.uk/about-us
Dobrinka Tabakova’s official website www.dobrinka.com