Catherine Hewgill holding Cello
2023, 2018, 2016, 2016 Singapore, 2015, 2014 Chamber – Southern Highlands, NSW, 2013, 2011
“Bring our musicians home and put them on a grand stage together and we will prove what conductors have been telling us for years … that Australian musicians and orchestras are up there with the very finest. I can hardly wait for the first rehearsal.”

Catherine Hewgill

Cello

Principal Cello – Sydney Symphony Orchestra; Former – Australian Chamber Orchestra; The Australian Trio

Australian Hometown(s): Perth & Sydney
Education: Royal College of Music, London, University of Southern California

PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY
Catherine Hewgill is the principal cellist of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, a position she has held since 1990.

She completed her Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 at the University of Southern California and went on to win the Hammer-Rostropovich scholarship in the same year. Catherine was invited by Rostropovich to perform at the second American Cello Congress and a period of private study with the legendary musician followed.

In 1985 Catherine toured Europe with I Solisti Veneti and followed with study in London with William Pleeth.

Catherine became a member of the Australian Chamber Orchestra in1987 and in 1989 was invited to join the Sydney Symphony. She has toured worldwide with the Sydney Symphony and appeared countless times as soloist with Australian orchestras, including playing concertos under the direction of Charles Dutoit and Vladimir Ashkenazy.

In 2003 she toured Japan as soloist with the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa and in a varied career has also performed extensively as a chamber musician, including for several years performing and recording with the Australian Trio. She also appears regularly as principal with the Australian World Orchestra.

In 2017 Catherine released a highly acclaimed CD of Russian repertoire for cello and piano with pianist, Vladimir Ashkenazy.

She plays a Carlo Tononi cello made in Venice in 1729.

Last updated 2023