Maya Iwabuchi
Maya is the Leader of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra since 2011. Before that, she served as Leader of the Philharmonia Orchestra for 18 years, leading for many illustrious conductors such as Riccardo Muti, Christoph von Dohnanyi, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Gustavo Dudamel and Andris Nelsons. Solo highlights include performances with the Los Angeles and New York Philharmonics, Philharmonia Orchestra and RSNO. Her chamber music activities have taken her to the IMS Prussia Cove, Wigmore Hall in London, Edinburgh Festival and BBC broadcasts. She is Co-Artistic Director of the Hellensmusic Festival. She studied with Alice Schoenfeld at the University of Southern California and Rodney Friend at the Royal College of Music. Sharing good food and wine with others is one of her greatest pleasures.
Maya gives individual lessons to students at the RCS who are open to becoming better players, musicians and human beings. She guides them to find what feels and sounds good to them, increasing their chances for a more honest and clear artistry. She also heads an ‘Artistic Workshop’ for BMus 4th Years and Masters students, involving preparation for professional auditions and performances. She makes space for chamber music coaching – to her, developing ensemble skills means more empathy towards others.