The British cellist will join the faculty of the RCM from the start of the 2024-25 academic year

British cellist Richard Harwood

Cellist Richard Harwood

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British cellist Richard Harwood has been appointed Professor of Cello at the Royal College of Music (RCM) in London, UK. He wrote on social media: ‘I’m pleased to announce I’ve been appointed Professor of Cello at RCM. Looking forward to being on the faculty and building a class there.’ 

Alongside his solo and chamber performance career, Harwood was principal cello of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra from 2018 to 2024. He stepped down from the post last month, announcing the news on social media: ‘A couple of months ago, I reached the sad decision to leave this wonderful family of friends and colleagues in order to focus on a range of other musical activities.’ 

Harwood is a champion of contemporary music and has premiered multiple solo works written for him. He studied with Joan Dickson, Heinrich Schiff and Ralph Kirshbaum, among others. Harwood plays a Francesco Rugeri cello, dated 1692, an instrument that he has been playing since he was 14 years old.

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