Violinist Leia Zhu, has today been awarded the Freedom of the City of London, one of the United Kingdom’s oldest and most distinguished civic honours. The award was conferred by the City of London Corporation at Guildhall.

The honour marks a historic first: Leia is believed to be the first classical musician to be nominated for the Freedom of the City of London through the Worshipful Company of International Bankers, and, at just 19, she is among the youngest individuals ever to receive the distinction.

The Freedom of the City recognises not only Leia’s exceptional artistic achievements, but also the emergence of a new kind of leader, one equally at home on the international concert platform and within the City’s most respected financial institutions.

Jasper Parrott, Executive Chairman of HarrisonParrott Group stated:
​“It has been a privilege to have supported Leia in her inspirational journey as violinist, artist and spokesperson for the vital importance of the creative arts in a healthy and well‑balanced society, and this honour is most fitting and deserved for her engagement with so many causes in the fields of education, advocacy of inclusion and the growth of opportunities for all gifted and motivated young persons. The Freedom of the City of London will no doubt further empower her in all of her aspirations.”