The German cellist succeeds Desmond Hoebig, and will begin the role in September 2025

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Cellist Valentin Radutiu

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The Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music has announced German cellist Valentin Radutiu as its new cello professor, beginning in September 2025. He succeeds Canadian cellist Desmond Hoebig, who held the position for more than 30 years.

Radutiu is currently the principal cellist of the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester in Berlin, and professor of cello at the Hochschule für Musik in Dresden, Germany.

‘Having had the privilege of outstanding teachers who have influenced me far beyond cello playing, I have found passing on the art of playing the cello and the meaning of musicianship to be an essential part of my life,’ said Radutiu. ‘To be able to pursue this passion at this renowned institution and to help the new generation of cellists find a fulfilling and meaningful place in the musical world of the 21st century fills me with great joy and excitement.’

US cellist Brinton Averil Smith, a fellow cello professor at the Shepherd School of Music, shared the story of his first encounter with Radutiu in response to the news:

‘About six years ago as I was preparing a listening-links email for my students in Aspen, I went on a YouTube crawl to find a video of a modern player that I thought exemplified great musicianship coming from a modern player – to make the point that I didn’t only worship dead people, since most of the links I sent them were of players from a bygone era.

‘I came across an extraordinarily good video from a cellist I had never heard of, Valentin Radutiu, and shared it with my students. I also reached out to him and began a friendly correspondence that finally culminated with having the chance to be together in-person last spring at Rice, and today I am thrilled to announce that he will be our new colleague, replacing our beloved Des Hoebig.

‘It’s amazing how the smallest moment can sometimes lead to life-changing events. For all the terrible things about social media, there is good as well – the chance to hear and connect with a colleague I might otherwise have never crossed paths with, who will now move halfway across the world to become our new colleague. Thrilled for the Shepherd School, thrilled to have a valued new colleague and looking forward to building together in this wonderful school!’

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