Yuri Hooker
cello
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Cellist Yuri Hooker is well known in Winnipeg's music scene for his passionate and soulful interpretations of a wide range of repertoire. He is a core member of the Winnipeg Chamber Music Society and the Clearwater Ensemble, which is currently in residence at the University of Manitoba's Desautels Faculty of Music. He played for 25 seasons with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, serving as Principal Cellist from 2004-2025. Yuri is also an inspiring and dedicated teacher, whose students are regularly recognized locally and nationally with awards and scholarships. Yuri has always been grateful for the wonderful instruction he received as a child (Dorothy Bishop, John Kadz) and through university (Arkadiusz Tesarczyk, Janos Starker, Stanley Ritchie), as well as from the many other artistic and spiritual mentors who continue to shape him. While he continues to be active musically, Yuri recently took up a new calling as the Senior Pastor of Bethesda Church. He is enjoying this new challenge, especially the many opportunities it gives him to offer lasting hope. He continues to hold dear his friendships with people across many fields, and he cherishes the many memories he has made over a lifetime of music-making in Winnipeg!
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