Genre

:

Ballet

 

William Stokking was born on May 6, 1934, in New York City. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a violinist and his mother a pianist. Stokking began playing the cello at the age of six and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Stokking studied at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he was a student of Leonard Rose. He also studied with Pablo Casals in Puerto Rico and with Gregor Piatigorsky in Los Angeles. Stokking's talent and dedication to his craft quickly became apparent, and he began to make a name for himself in the classical music world. In 1958, Stokking joined the New York Philharmonic as its principal cellist, a position he held for 37 years. During his tenure with the orchestra, Stokking became known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to blend seamlessly with the other musicians. He also became a mentor to many young cellists, including Yo-Yo Ma. Stokking was a frequent soloist with the New York Philharmonic, performing concertos by composers such as Dvorak, Elgar, and Shostakovich. He also performed chamber music with other members of the orchestra, including violinist Isaac Stern and pianist Emanuel Ax. In addition to his work with the New York Philharmonic, Stokking was also a sought-after soloist and chamber musician. He performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He also performed at major music festivals, such as the Marlboro Music Festival and the Casals Festival in Puerto Rico. Stokking's recordings were highly acclaimed, and he won several awards for his work. He won a Grammy Award in 1978 for his recording of the Dvorak Cello Concerto with the New York Philharmonic, and he was also awarded the Avery Fisher Prize in 1982. Stokking retired from the New York Philharmonic in 1995, but he continued to perform and teach. He taught at the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music, and he also gave masterclasses around the world. He was known for his generosity and his willingness to share his knowledge and experience with young musicians. William Stokking passed away on November 20, 2019, at the age of 85. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest cellists of his generation, and as a beloved teacher and mentor to many young musicians. His contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

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