Wei Liu Denton - Acting Principal Cello

Cellist, Wei (pronounced ‘way’) Denton currently resides in Chicago Illinois with her husband Bill and their dog Sila (pronounced ‘seela’). She is a member of the Chicago Philharmonic, the Northern Illinois Symphony, the New Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra.                             

            Before moving to Chicago she was a member of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for thirteen seasons.  During and prior to her tenure in Alabama Wei performed as soloist and chamber artist in solo recitals, chamber works, and symphonic repertoire throughout North America, Europe, North Africa, and Asia.  Her compact disc recordings include “Musique pour Violoncello” (1999) and “Lou sur la Pierre du Seuil” (1992).  

            Her musical training began in China where she studied at the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music. She won first prize at the 1st Annual National Cello Competition of China when she was only fifteen.  After finishing her studies at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, she then trained at the Paris Conservatory of Music with world famous cellist and teacher Philippe Muller; made possible by the prestigious French government scholarship award.  During her study in France, she was also a winner of the Douai International Cello Competition.  She graduated with "First Prize" diplomas in cello performance, chamber music, and musical analysis. 

 

​