The honour celebrates the new generation of leadership across the arts, finance and public service
British violinist Leia Zhu, 19, was admitted to the Freedom of the City of London on 20 April, conferred by the City of London Corporation at Guildhall in London. The honour recognises the new generation of leadership across the arts, finance and public service.
Zhu is believed to be the first classical musician to be nominated for the award through the Worshipful Company of International Bankers (WCIB). She is also among its youngest recipients.
The WCIB is the City of London livery company representing international banking and financial services. Membership is open to those working in or studying financial services – a qualification Zhu meets through her formal financial education, holding the Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA, LIBF) and Associate Membership of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.
Zhu told The Strad about receiving the award:
‘To receive the Freedom of the City of London is a profound honour, and one that I see as a responsibility as much as a recognition. To thrive sustainably, culture must be supported by strong financial understanding, thoughtful governance and long-term thinking.
’This honour strengthens my commitment to contributing to that conversation and to the belief that culture and finance are not opposing forces, but complementary ones. Culture needs capital; capital needs soul. I intend to be that bridge.’
At the age of only 19, Zhu is already an internationally acclaimed violinist, having performed with ensembles such as the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, London Mozart Players, English Chamber Orchestra, and in venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Wigmore Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Berlin Philharmonie, Zurich Tonhalle and Mariinsky Theatre.
She received the Opus Klassik Young Talent of the Year award in 2025, has been included in Classic FM’s 30 under 30 and was named a Rising Star by BBC Music Magazine. She serves as education ambassador for the London Mozart Players and Patron of the HarrisonParrott Foundation.
Tim Skeet, Master of the Worshipful Company of International Bankers, said of Zhu:
‘The Worshipful Company of International Bankers is proud to have nominated Leia Zhu for the Freedom of the City of London. At 19, she represents exactly the kind of leader the City needs — one who brings together artistic excellence, financial rigour and a genuine commitment to civic life. This honour is richly deserved.’
George Littlejohn, Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of International Bankers, and Senior Adviser to the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, said:
’Leia Zhu ACSI embodies many of the qualities the Worshipful Company of International Bankers seeks to encourage in the next generation – integrity, discipline, curiosity and a strong sense of responsibility to the wider community.
’Her work reflects a broader perspective that brings together artistic discipline, financial understanding and civic engagement – an approach closely aligned with the values of stewardship, continuity and public service associated with the City of London, its livery companies and its professional bodies.’
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