Steven Isserlis, CBE, is a British cellist acclaimed worldwide as a soloist, chamber musician, educator, author, and broadcaster. He performs regularly with the world’s foremost orchestras — from historically informed ensembles to modern symphonic giants — and has premiered numerous works by contemporary composers, including Sir John Tavener, Thomas Adès, and György Kurtág.
His award-winning discography includes J. S. Bach’s Cello Suites (Gramophone’s Instrumental Recording of the Year), the complete Beethoven works for cello and piano, and Brahms’s Double Concerto recorded with violinist Joshua Bell. He has also received Grammy nominations for his interpretations of concertos by Haydn and Martinů.
Isserlis is a passionate writer. His latest publication is a widely praised companion guide to the Bach Suites, and his books on music for children have been translated into multiple languages. He also penned the commentary for Robert Schumann’s Advice to Young Musicians.
As a presenter, Isserlis has created insightful radio documentaries for the BBC, including features on Robert Schumann and Harpo Marx. His work as a curator has led to acclaimed concert series at venues such as London’s Wigmore Hall and New York’s 92nd Street Y.
In 1998, Queen Elizabeth II appointed him Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to music. His international accolades include the Piatigorsky Prize and the Glashütte Original Music Festival Award. Since 1997, he has served as Artistic Director of the International Musicians Seminar at Prussia Cove.
Steven Isserlis currently performs on the 1726 ‘Marquis de Corberon’ Stradivarius cello, generously loaned to him by the Royal Academy of Music.
Programme subject to change.