Internationally acclaimed British cellist Steven Isserlis joins VSO in concert, November 24 and 25
Maestro Otto Tausk leads the musicians in mixed program that features Elgar’s intimate Cello Concerto
Steven Isserlis.
Tausk Meets Isserlis takes place November 24 and 25 at 8 pm at the Orpheum
REVERED BRITISH CELLIST Steven Isserlis is a soloist, chamber musician, educator, and author who also describes himself as a musical explorer. Known around the world for his technical mastery and depth, he’s bringing that sense of sonic adventure to the West Coast when he performs with Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in a concert called Tausk Meets Isserlis. It’s the first time the two artists will join forces.
VSO music director Otto Tausk will lead the musicians in Elgar’s intimate Cello Concerto in E minor, op 85. Written for solo cello and full orchestra in four movements, the piece premiered in 1919.
Isserlis performs most of his concerts on the Marquis de Corberon (Nelsova) Stradivarius of 1726, on loan from the Royal Academy of Music. Based in London, he is one of just two living cellists inducted into Gramophone’s Hall of Fame and has played with leading organizations around the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra Washington, and London Philharmonic, to name but a few. In one special appearance, Isserlis performed with Sir Andras Schiff at the Beethovenhaus in Bonn, using Beethoven’s own cello.
Besides curating series for venues such as Wigmore Hall and events like the Salzburg Festival, Isserlis is also a proponent of contemporary music. He has written the text for three musical stories for kids—including Little Red Violin, Goldiepegs and the Three Cellos, and Cindercella—with music by Oscar-winning composer Anne Dudley. He has also given many concerts for children, with a long-running series that ran at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. His books for children about the lives of the great composers—including Why Beethoven Threw the Stew and its sequel, Why Handel Waggled his Wig—have been translated into multiple languages.
With numerous critically praised recordings to his name, Isserlis gives masterclasses around the world and contributes frequently to media outlets from The Guardian to BBC Radio.
Tausk Meets Isserlis also features Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 and the Canadian premiere of Cassandra Miller’s La Donna.
For more details, see https://www.vancouversymphony.ca/.
Related Articles
