Principal Cello Pei-Jee Ng
When did you join the RSNO?
I joined in May 2023.
Where are you from?
I was born in Sydney and grew up in Adelaide.
Where did you study?
At the Elder Conservatorium at Adelaide University, then the RNCM, Manchester and finally at the RAM in London.
What do you enjoy most about being in the RSNO?
Aside from working alongside talented colleagues everyday, I love that we get to perform in the most wonderful concert halls here in Scotland!
Tell us your favourite RSNO story/memory so far.
Performing Strauss ‘Ein Heldenleben’ to open my first full season with this band was incredible!
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not playing with the Orchestra?
I used to enjoy gardening but now that I’ve moved to a flat in Glasgow I’ve found myself fanatical about baking sourdough, thanks to Robin Wilson (violin) gifting me a wondrous starter for my birthday.
Do you have any hidden talents?
None that I’m aware of…
If you could have dinner with anyone (alive or dead) who would it be, and why?
I’d love to have a meal with the cellist Jacqueline du Pré so I can ask her lots of terrible cello questions and also the violin luthier and restorer René Morel to also geek out on sound adjustment and violin-making in general.
You’re stranded on a desert island. You’re allowed 3 CDs and 1 book. What would they be, and why?
I’d have to bring with me The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, it is an effective constant reminder to choose not to descend into madness. Recordings might include Dire Straits (1978), Jessye Norman’s Strauss ‘Four Last Songs’ and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King soundtrack.
