Pavlos Kanellakis is a Greek cellist and conductor who has made a name for himself in the world of classical music. Born on May 22, 1989, in Athens, Greece, Kanellakis began his musical journey at a young age. He started playing the cello when he was just six years old and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Kanellakis received his early musical education at the National Conservatory of Athens, where he studied with renowned cellist and pedagogue, Dimitris Patras. He continued his studies at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln in Germany, where he studied with cellist and conductor, Michael Sanderling. Kanellakis also received guidance from other notable cellists, including David Geringas, Frans Helmerson, and Jens Peter Maintz. Throughout his career, Kanellakis has won numerous awards and accolades for his exceptional talent and musicianship. In 2011, he won first prize at the International Cello Competition in Liezen, Austria, and in 2012, he was awarded the prestigious Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Scholarship. In 2013, he won first prize at the International Cello Competition in Cremona, Italy, and in 2014, he was awarded the prestigious Borletti-Buitoni Trust Fellowship. Kanellakis has performed as a soloist with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, the Athens State Orchestra, and the Orchestra della Toscana. He has also collaborated with many renowned conductors, including Vladimir Ashkenazy, Yuri Temirkanov, and Christoph Poppen. One of Kanellakis's most notable performances was his debut at the Berlin Philharmonic in 2015, where he performed the Dvorak Cello Concerto with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra. The performance was met with critical acclaim, and Kanellakis was praised for his virtuosic playing and emotional depth. In addition to his work as a cellist, Kanellakis is also an accomplished conductor. He has conducted many orchestras, including the Athens State Orchestra, the Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra, and the Orchestra della Toscana. In 2017, he was appointed as the principal conductor of the Camerata Friends of Music Orchestra in Athens, a position he still holds today. Kanellakis is also a passionate advocate for contemporary music. He has premiered many new works by contemporary composers and has collaborated with many of the leading composers of our time, including Sofia Gubaidulina, Krzysztof Penderecki, and Arvo Pärt. In addition to his performing and conducting career, Kanellakis is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught masterclasses at many prestigious institutions, including the Royal Academy of Music in London, the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln, and the Moscow Conservatory. Kanellakis's playing is characterized by its technical brilliance, emotional depth, and musical sensitivity. He is known for his ability to bring out the beauty and expressiveness of the cello, and his performances are always marked by a deep sense of musicality and artistry. In conclusion, Pavlos Kanellakis is a remarkable musician who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His exceptional talent, musicianship, and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous awards and accolades, and his performances and recordings have been met with critical acclaim.

More....