Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

June 15, 1953 in London, England

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Raphael Wallfisch is a renowned British cellist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on June 15, 1953, in London, England, Wallfisch was born into a family of musicians. His father, Peter Wallfisch, was a pianist, and his mother, Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, was a cellist who survived the Holocaust and played in the Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz. Wallfisch began playing the cello at the age of four and received his early training from his mother. He later studied with Amaryllis Fleming, William Pleeth, and Derek Simpson. At the age of 24, he won the Gaspar Cassado International Cello Competition in Florence, Italy, which marked the beginning of his international career. Wallfisch has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. He has also collaborated with some of the most distinguished conductors, such as Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Neville Marriner, and Vladimir Ashkenazy. One of Wallfisch's most significant achievements was his recording of the complete works for cello and orchestra by Edward Elgar. This recording, which he made with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Vernon Handley, received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Gramophone Award for Best Concerto Recording in 1989. Wallfisch has also been a champion of contemporary music and has premiered many works by contemporary composers, including Hans Werner Henze, John Tavener, and James MacMillan. He has recorded several albums of contemporary music, including works by Benjamin Britten, Dmitri Shostakovich, and Philip Glass. In addition to his performing career, Wallfisch is also a respected teacher and has held teaching positions at the Royal Northern College of Music, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and the Royal College of Music. He has also given masterclasses around the world and has served as a jury member for several international competitions. Wallfisch has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2017, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to music. He has also been awarded the Wigmore Medal, the City of London Bach Prize, and the Classic FM Red Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. In conclusion, Raphael Wallfisch is a highly respected and accomplished cellist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His performances, recordings, and teaching have earned him a reputation as one of the leading cellists of his generation. His dedication to contemporary music and his commitment to teaching have ensured that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

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