Louise Hopkins

Louise Hopkins is a Professor of Cello and Head of Strings at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, where she has been a faculty member since her appointment at age 25. She also teaches at the Hochschule in Bern, Switzerland, and has held roles at the Yehudi Menuhin School until 2006. A renowned cellist, Hopkins has performed internationally with esteemed ensembles and musicians, including collaborations with the Takács Quartet, Thomas Adès, and pianist Aleksandar Madžar. Her career spans solo recitals, chamber music festivals, and premieres of contemporary works, such as Dai Fujikura’s Fifth Station. She has been honored with the Frank Britton Award and has recorded works for EMI and Intim Musik.

Education:

• Studied at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama with Raphael Wallfisch and Steven Isserlis
• Participated in International Musicians' Seminars at Prussia Cove, studying with András Schiff and György Kurtág

Research & Performance Interests: Hopkins focuses on cello performance, chamber music, and contemporary repertoire. She has performed at major venues like the Wigmore Hall, Sydney Opera House, and festivals such as Aldeburgh, Cheltenham, and the Amsterdam Cello Biennale. Her work emphasizes interpretive depth and exploration of modern compositions.

Awards:

• Frank Britton Award (led to Wigmore Hall debut at age 19)

Teaching & Mentorship: Hopkins has given masterclasses globally and served as a jury member for competitions like Banff and Trondheim String Quartet. Her pedagogical contributions include shaping future musicians through her roles at Guildhall and the Hochschule in Bern.

Notable Performances: Highlights include Britten’s Cello Symphony with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and György Kurtág’s Double Concerto for Piano and Cello in Budapest. She has also premiered works by contemporary composers like Dai Fujikura.