معرفی
Raphael Wallfisch is a distinguished cello professor at the Royal College of Music (RCM) and holds a concurrent professorship in cello at the Zurich University of the Arts (Zürich Hochschule der Kunst). Born in London to a family of eminent musicians—his mother Anita Lasker-Wallfisch is a renowned cellist and his father Peter Wallfisch a pianist—he has dedicated his life to cello performance and pedagogy. His career spans over four decades of international acclaim, featuring collaborations with prestigious orchestras like the London Symphony, Berlin Symphony, and Los Angeles Philharmonic, alongside appearances at major festivals including the BBC Proms and Edinburgh Festival.
Education & Training:
He trained under celebrated cellists and musicians such as Amaryllis Fleming, Gregor Piatigorsky (during his studies in California), and others. His masterclass experiences include performing chamber music with Jascha Heifetz under Piatigorsky’s mentorship. Though formal degree details are not specified, his lineage and training suggest deep roots in classical performance pedagogy.
Research Interests & Artistic Contributions:
Wallfisch is renowned for championing cello repertoire beyond mainstream works, particularly British concertos (Finzi, Delius, Bax) and 20th/21st-century compositions. He has collaborated closely with leading British composers such as Sir Peter Maxwell Davies and James MacMillan, who have created works specifically tailored for his artistry. His recordings on labels like EMI and Chandos highlight lesser-explored pieces by Dohnanyi, Respighi, and Hindemith, alongside iconic composers like Richard Strauss and Dvorak.
Artistic Achievements:
- Winner of the 1985 Gaspar Cassadó International Cello Competition in Florence
- Holder of a prestigious professorship at two major music institutions
- Extensive discography emphasizing niche classical and contemporary works
Teaching & Mentorship:
A globally sought-after instructor, he balances performance with pedagogical leadership. His teaching engagements include formal professorships and masterclasses, though specifics about grants or formal advising programs are not detailed in the text.
Instrumentation:
He performs on historically significant cellos, including a 1760 Gennaro Gagliano and the 1733 Montagnana ‘Ex-Romberg’, as well as a custom modern cello crafted by Patrick Robin.
