The Hallé announces Rachel Helleur-Simcock as Leader of the Cello Section

Rachel brings a wealth of experience as an orchestral cellist, having been a key member of The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra for the past 16 years, performing in concert halls worldwide and as part of the world-famous chamber ensemble, The 12 Cellists Of The Berlin Philharmonic. She was Principal Cellist of the Deutsche Oper in Berlin for two years and has also guest-led the cello sections of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Oslo Philharmonic, the Hamburg Radio Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and, most recently, the Hallé.

As a soloist, Rachel has toured Elgar’s Cello Concerto extensively around Belgium and whilst in Berlin, she was a founding member of The Varian Fry String Quartet, made up exclusively of members of the Berlin Philharmonic, performing with them for ten years.

Prior to oƯicially joining the Hallé as Section Leader, Cello, Rachel will step in as soloist for the Elgar Cello Concerto on Thursday 25 September, replacing Truls Mørk who has had to withdraw due to unforeseen circumstances. The concert will be conducted by the Hallé’s Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Kahchun Wong.

Rachel said of her appointment, “it’s such an honour to be appointed the new SectionLeader, Cello, of this wonderful orchestra, and an extra thrill to be able to perform this seminal concerto – a piece so intrinsically linked to the Hallé and a pillar of the cello repertoire.”

David Butcher, Chief Executive of the Hallé said, “we are thrilled to welcome Rachel to the Hallé from Berlin to Manchester as our Section Leader, Cello. Rachel is an acclaimed international cellist with vast experience, also as a chamber musician and soloist. We are delighted audiences will be introduced to her as she performs Elgar’s Cello Concerto in our opening concert of the 2025/26 season, conducted by Principal Conductor and Artistic Adviser, Kahchun Wong.”