Rafael Popper-Keizer is a renowned cellist and chamber musician who has made a significant impact on the classical music scene. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1969, Popper-Keizer began playing the cello at the age of six. His parents, both professional musicians, recognized his talent early on and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Popper-Keizer's family moved to the United States when he was ten years old, and he continued his musical studies at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. He later earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied with renowned cellist Harvey Shapiro. Popper-Keizer's career as a professional musician began in the early 1990s, when he joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra as a cellist. He also became a member of the Boston Musica Viva, a contemporary music ensemble, and the Boston Trio, a chamber music group that he co-founded with violinist Irina Muresanu and pianist Heng-Jin Park. Throughout his career, Popper-Keizer has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Berlin Philharmonic. He has collaborated with many renowned musicians, including pianist Menahem Pressler, violinist Pamela Frank, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Popper-Keizer has also been recognized for his musical achievements with numerous awards and honors. In 1995, he won the prestigious Naumburg Chamber Music Award, which is given annually to outstanding young chamber music ensembles. He has also been a recipient of the Massachusetts Cultural Council Artist Fellowship and the St. Botolph Club Foundation Emerging Artist Award. In addition to his performing career, Popper-Keizer is also an accomplished teacher and mentor. He has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston University, and the Longy School of Music. He is currently a faculty member at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Popper-Keizer's repertoire as a cellist is diverse and includes works from the Baroque era to contemporary music. He has recorded several albums, including a critically acclaimed recording of the complete Beethoven cello sonatas with pianist Spencer Myer. One of Popper-Keizer's most notable performances was his solo debut with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1997. He performed the Dvorak Cello Concerto, which was met with critical acclaim. The Boston Globe praised his "rich, burnished tone" and "impeccable technique." Another highlight of Popper-Keizer's career was his performance at the 2009 Tanglewood Music Festival, where he performed the Brahms Double Concerto with violinist Pamela Frank and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The performance was hailed as "exquisite" and "passionate" by critics. Popper-Keizer's dedication to chamber music has also been a significant part of his career. He has performed with the Boston Trio for over 20 years, and the group has released several albums, including a recording of the complete Beethoven piano trios. In addition to his work with the Boston Trio, Popper-Keizer has collaborated with many other chamber music ensembles, including the Borromeo String Quartet and the Jupiter String Quartet. He has also been a frequent guest artist at chamber music festivals, including the Rockport Chamber Music Festival and the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival.

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