李勇銳｜Julian Lee

-English Introduction-

Julian Li is a Singaporean double bassist with extensive professional orchestral experience. He previously served as Associate Principal of the Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra (2017–2020) and Principal Bass of the Guiyang Symphony Orchestra (2015–2017), showcasing exceptional leadership and ensemble artistry.

In addition to his orchestral work, Li is an acclaimed soloist who has garnered multiple international first prizes, including at the Singapore International Double Bass Festival (2019), Charleston Classical Music Competition (2020), Winter International Music Competition (2020), and the World Classical Music Awards (Gold Prize, 2022). He has appeared as concerto soloist with Kids’ Philharmonic (2023) and performed with the Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra in 2024 after winning their concerto competition.

He was awarded the Tan Kah Kee Postgraduate Scholarship and the Goh Soon Tioe Centenary Award (2013). He completed his Master’s degree with distinction at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (KUG) in Austria (2015), studying under renowned bassist Ernst Weissensteiner. During his studies, he performed as a guest soloist for the Rotary Club, was an active member of the KUG Double Bass Quartet, and appeared on Graz Radio Station. He also studied baroque bass with Dan Roberts.

In 2019, Li founded Bass Around Asia (BAA), an initiative dedicated to developing double bass chamber music in Asia. In 2024, he successfully launched the festival’s first edition, Let’s Bassssss Party, to widespread acclaim.

Since returning to Singapore in 2020, Li has been actively performing with major ensembles. He regularly collaborates with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, and serves as principal bassist with leading groups including Red Dot Baroque, Resound Collective, Metropolitan Festival Orchestra, Wayfarer Sinfonietta, Singapore Lyric Opera Orchestra, The Philharmonic Orchestra, and New Opera Singapore. He also mentors young bassists as double bass tutor for the Orchestra of the Music Makers.

Known for his musical versatility, Li excels in classical, Chinese orchestral, jazz, and musical theatre genres. He has performed with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and was featured in French Cinematic Favourites: Bolling and Beyond (2024), performing works by Claude Bolling and other French film composers. In 2025, he will appear in the Singapore production of The Phantom of the Opera.

Passionate about music education and outreach, Li has organized masterclasses for the Singapore National Youth Orchestra’s Bass Day (2022 & 2023), and led workshops for the Kids’ Philharmonic Bass Ensemble. In 2025, he was invited to conduct masterclasses at Rangsit University’s Conservatory of Music (Bangkok) and the Bandung Philharmonic Academy (Indonesia). Alongside his teaching roles at various schools, he also runs a private studio offering lessons in double bass, cello, and piano.