Congratulations to Su-a Lee who has / have been nominated in Musician of the Year sponsored by University of the Highlands and Islands in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2026. Vote for Su-a Lee now! It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 5th December in Paisley Arena, Lagoon Centre. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Su-a of Su-a Lee the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Korean-born cellist Su-a Lee stands as one of Scotland's most versatile and adventurous musicians. Assistant Principal Cello with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for over 30 years, she has performed in major concert halls worldwide.
She continually transcends classical boundaries, collaborating with artists from Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce to Indian sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.
A founding member of the innovative Mr. McFall's Chamber, she has encompassed an eclectic range of traditions from cartoon classics and progressive rock to jazz, tango nuevo, and folk.
Her acclaimed 2023 debut solo album Dialogues celebrates three decades of folk music friendships through intimate duets with 15 international musicians, such as Duncan Chisholm, Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis and Donald Shaw.
Su-a's commitment extends beyond performance: she is a dedicated educator and mentor, and works regularly with dementia programmes in hospitals throughout Scotland, while regularly tutoring for NYOS, NYOGB, and the Benedetti Foundation.
Any particular career highlights?
Being able to present my whole line up of 15 musicians from my album of duos at Celtic Connections 2024.
Also organising a sell-out Highland tour for my quartet featuring Donald Shaw, Duncan Chisholm and Hamish Napier in 2026…
What are your plans for the future?
To keep going!
Su-a Lee Social Media
Website: http://sualee.com
Facebook: @sualeecello
Instagram: @sualeecello
YouTube: @sualeecello
Listen to music: http://sualee.bandcamp.com
The 2026 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 5th December 2026 in Paisley Arena, Lagoon Centre! You will be able to watch it live in person (buy a ticket here).
Hosted by Scottish personalities Alistair Heather and Mary Ann Kennedy, the night will welcome live performances from some of the brightest lights on the thriving trad scene today including Valtos, Gnoss, Sian, Fèis Phàislig, Spodo Komodo and BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Rachel Groves and many more!
If you would like to support Hands Up for Trad in their work with Scottish trad music and musicians why not become a friend of Hands Up for Trad. In addition to our high profile events like the Scots Trad Music Awards, we also deliver a less well known, education programme for young people from 8yrs right through to young adults at the start of their careers. Read more here.