Yi Qun Xu appointed as Assistant Professor of Cello
Photo by Deborah Moscoso
The Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver is pleased to announce the appointment of cellist Yi Qun Xu as Assistant Professor of Cello, effective Fall 2026. With an international performance career and a deep commitment to artistic excellence and education, Xu will join Lamont’s distinguished faculty to teach cello students, direct chamber music ensembles, and mentor emerging professional musicians.
Praised by The Day for her “great poise and masterful technique” and “an amazingly rich tone,” Xu has established herself as both a compelling soloist and an accomplished chamber musician. She is the recipient of the 2022 Presser Music Award and First Prize in the 2021 New York International Artists Cello Competition, and her performances have been featured on WQXR’s Midday Masterpieces and the acclaimed podcast Here’s the Thing with Alec Baldwin. A native of China, Xu holds Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from The Juilliard School, where she served as studio teaching assistant to the late Joel Krosnick and was a Kovner Fellow. Xu studied with some of the cello world’s foremost pedagogues. She serves on the faculties of The Juilliard School Pre-College and Music Advancement Program, The Perlman Music Program, the Heifetz International Music Institute, and has previously served on the faculty of the University of Texas at San Antonio. Xu is the cellist of the Cassatt Quartet.
“I am honored and thrilled to join the Lamont School of Music,” said Xu. “I have long admired its mission and community. Lamont’s commitment to artistic innovation, collaborative exploration, and deep musical engagement resonates with my own values as a teacher and performer. I look forward to working with students, helping them shape their musical voice and prepare them to be dynamic contributors and leaders in the world of music and beyond.”
Brian Pertl, Director of the Lamont School of Music, welcomed Xu’s appointment: “Yi Qun Xu brings extraordinary artistry, global performance experience, and a vibrant teaching philosophy to Lamont’s cello program. Her dedication to both solo and collaborative music-making will greatly enrich our studio and inspire our students. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Lamont community.”
Xu will begin her faculty duties in September 2026, contributing to Lamont’s renowned strings programs and fostering artistic growth in undergraduate and graduate cellists.
For additional information, including photos and videos of Xu’s work, please visit her website yiqunxu.com.
