Role

:

Conductor  

Birth

:

August 23, 1957 in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Antonio Meneses is a renowned Brazilian cellist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on August 23, 1957, in Recife, Brazil, Meneses began his musical journey at a young age. His father, a violinist, introduced him to music, and he started playing the cello when he was just ten years old. Meneses received his early training at the Conservatório Pernambucano de Música in Recife, where he studied with Aldo Parisot. In 1977, he moved to Rio de Janeiro to continue his studies at the Escola Nacional de Música, where he studied with David Chew. He also received guidance from the legendary cellist Pablo Casals, who was a significant influence on his musical development. In 1982, Meneses won the Gold Medal at the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, which marked the beginning of his international career. He has since performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Meneses has also collaborated with many renowned conductors, such as Claudio Abbado, Herbert von Karajan, Lorin Maazel, and Zubin Mehta. He has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Berlin Philharmonie. In addition to his solo career, Meneses is also a dedicated chamber musician. He has performed with many distinguished artists, including Martha Argerich, Gidon Kremer, and Yo-Yo Ma. He is a founding member of the Beaux Arts Trio, which was one of the most celebrated piano trios of the 20th century. Meneses has recorded extensively throughout his career, with over 30 albums to his name. His recordings have received critical acclaim and have won numerous awards, including the Gramophone Award, the Diapason d'Or, and the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik. One of Meneses's most significant achievements was his performance of the complete Bach Cello Suites at the Salzburg Festival in 2015. The performance was widely praised, with The Guardian describing it as "a masterclass in Bach interpretation." The recording of the performance was released on the Avie label and received widespread critical acclaim. Meneses has also been recognized for his contributions to music. In 2002, he was awarded the Order of Cultural Merit by the Brazilian government, and in 2011, he received the Medalha da Inconfidência, the highest honor awarded by the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. In addition to his performing career, Meneses is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught at the Hochschule für Musik in Freiburg, Germany, and the Universität Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. He is currently a professor at the Hochschule für Musik "Hanns Eisler" in Berlin. Meneses is known for his warm, rich tone and his expressive playing. He is a master of phrasing and interpretation, and his performances are marked by a deep musicality and sensitivity. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest cellists of his generation and has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music.

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