The 2022 Suggia Gift recipient, a Dewar Arts Award winner and former Mozart Gesellschaft Dortmund scholarship holder, Scottish cellist Hugh Mackay is establishing himself as an independently-minded young artist drawing inspiration from across musical eras and a broad range of artistic collaborations. His vibrant musical life denotes an eclectic range of performing styles and repertoire, from the inception of the cello to the present day, leading him to top venues such as the Wigmore Hall, the Dortmund Konzerthaus and the Palace of Versailles.

Recent News

Hugh toured Scotland with duo partner, pianist Junyan Chen, in March this year. Discover what audiences had to say about their performances:

“Bursting with vitality...electric intensity…a startling interplay of power and delicacy” (Kirkcaldy Music Society)

“Mind-blowing virtuosity” (Aberdeen Chamber Music Concerts)

Selected Concerts

Concerts
London: Dvorak String Quintet with Anthony Marwood
May 3
Duke's Hall
London: Dvorak String Quintet with Anthony Marwood
Duke's Hall

Hugh performs Dvorak’s String Quintet No. 3 Op. 97 with violinist Anthony Marwood.

Duke's Hall
London: Upon What Instrument Have We Been Strung?
May 10
Angela Burgess Recital Hall
London: Upon What Instrument Have We Been Strung?
Angela Burgess Recital Hall

Exploring the profound words of Rainer Maria Rilke’s ‘Liebeslied,’ Hugh curates an introspective concert that delves into works for cello, piano, and string trio. Inspired by themes of connection, overcoming adversity, mortality, and our relationship with the planet, this intimate performance invites audiences to reflect deeply on the music and its meaning.

Harrison Birtwistle | Lied ohne Worte from 'Bogenstrich' (Meditations On A Poem Of Rilke) (2006)
Thomas Demenga | EFEU (2010)
Henry Purcell | Fantasias à 3
Arnold Schoenberg | String Trio Op. 45
Cassandra Miller | Daylonging, Slacktide (2020; new reworking for cello)

Angela Burgess Recital Hall
Stamford: SIMFestival 2024 Opening Concert
May 16
Ballroom
Stamford: SIMFestival 2024 Opening Concert
Ballroom

An evening of Telemann, Mozart, Smetana and more. Stamford International Music Festival returns to Stamford Arts Centre for the 5th edition of this annual chamber music festival. Violinist, Freya Goldmark, is joined by a select group of Europe’s finest musicians for three days of fantastic chamber music spread across seven concerts.

Ballroom
Stamford: SIMFestival 2024 Haydn
May 17
Ballroom
Stamford: SIMFestival 2024 Haydn
Ballroom

An evening of great chamber music including Janáček's "Pohádka for Cello and Piano," a musical fairy tale weaving poignant narratives through the enchanting interplay of cello and piano. Following this, Haydn's Opus 64, No.1. Concluding the performance is Dohnányi's Sextet for strings, winds and piano, offering a dynamic and virtuosic conclusion to the concert.

Ballroom
Stamford: SIMFestival 2024 Beethoven String Quintet
May 18
St Martin's Church
Stamford: SIMFestival 2024 Beethoven String Quintet
St Martin's Church

Join us for a delightful Saturday morning of classical music at 11am. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Beethoven’s String Quintet as our musicians bring this masterpiece to life in SIMFestival 2024’s penultimate concert.

St Martin's Church
Louth: Recital with Michael Pandya
Jun 13
St. James' Church
Louth: Recital with Michael Pandya
St. James' Church

Louth and District Concert Society presents Hugh Mackay and Michael Pandya in recital.

Debussy | Sonata for Cello and Piano in D minor
Beamish | Sonata for Cello and Piano
Beethoven | Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 4 in C Major, Op. 102 No. 1
Brahms | Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 2 in F Major

St. James' Church
XXIII Santander Encounter of Music and Academy
Jul 1
XXIII Santander Encounter of Music and Academy

Hugh takes part in the Santander Encounter of Music and Academy.