L. A. Becomes the Cello Capitol of the World Beginning May 13

From May 13 – 22, the world’s most celebrated cellists are gathering in Los Angeles for master classes and concerts, all open to the public, including a world premiere of a work written for more than 100 cellos. 

Contact: Evan Calbi (213) 740-3229 calbi@thornton.usc.edu or Allison Engel (213) 740-1927 allison.engel@usc.edu

The second Piatigorsky International Cello Festival returns to Los Angeles on Friday, May 13, kicking off 10 days of concerts and events dedicated to the cello.

The festival brings together three prestigious Los Angeles’ musical organizations — the USC Thornton School of Music, the L.A. Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra — and showcases 26 international artists representing 14 countries and four continents. The celebrated cellists on the roster include Yo-Yo Ma, Mischa Maisky, Truls Mørk, Jean-Guihen Queyras, David Geringas, Frans Helmerson, Colin Carr, Sol Gabetta, Giovanni Sollima, Raphael Wallfisch and festival artistic director Ralph Kirshbaum of USC Thornton.

Highlights include gala opening and closing concerts at USC’s Bovard Auditorium on Sunday, May 15, and Sunday, May 22, and a concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall May 17 featuring a world premiere of a work by British composer Anna Clyne written and arranged for a cello ensemble of more than 100 cellists.

“This particular festival is a remarkable expression of music at its ecastatic best,” summed up artistic director Kirshbaum.

All events will be held on the USC campus, except for a handful held at Disney Hall. Tickets for the campus events are available through the USC Ticket Office. A schedule with ticket information is here.

A minute and a half video about the festival is here.

[Image: Ralph Kirshbaum, artistic director of the Piatigorsky International Cello Festival with bust of the festival’s namesake on the USC campus. Photo: Steve Cohn]

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