Yuri Hooker is the Principal cellist with both the Winnipeg Symphony and Manitoba Chamber Orchestras. Since his arrival in Winnipeg in 1999, his frequent concerto appearances with the WSO and the MCO have met with critical and audience acclaim. Recent performances have included the world premiere of John Tavener’s new work for cello and orchestra, Popule Meus, the world premiere of Michael Oesterle’s Agate Rosary (orchestral version) and the North American premiere of Tavener’s Requiem. (All three performances are available for streaming on CBC’s Concerts On Demand website.) He was also honored to present the Western Canadian premiere of Henri Dutilleux’s demanding cello concerto, Tout un monde lointain in 2009 with the WSO conducted by Michelle Mourre, and recently made the premiere recording of Ørjan Sandred’s Amanzule Voices for cello and live electronics for Navona Records. He appears regularly with the Winnipeg Chamber Music Society, Groundswell, Brandon Chamber Players and has been a featured performer at the Clear Lake Chamber Music Festival since its inception.

Yuri maintains a private teaching studio and is the founder and director of the popular Winnipeg Summer Cello Institute, which began in 2007. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Brandon University, and did graduate studies under Janos Starker and Stanley Ritchie (period performance) at Indiana University.