Steven Isserlis

Unbelievable though it may seem, Ralph Kirshbaum’s 80th birthday is today (March 4th). At a time when most people would be either well into retirement, or at the very least seriously contemplating it, Ralph has just expanded his teaching activities at the University of Southern California, and continues to inspire his students (as well as tiring them out!) with his total concentration, his ceaseless flow of ideas and his burning desire to help young musicians fulfil their full potential.

To me, he will always be my beloved Uncle Cherry-Tree (I’m sure you understand the nickname); but in fact he is, and has been for many years, an avuncular figure to the entire cello world. There’s something about him – his kindness, his understanding and sympathy – that makes him the ideal figure to whom to bring one’s questions and problems. He will always be there with wise advice – and, as distraction, a never-ending supply of jokes. To visit him and his equally beloved wife, Antoinette, is always a joy; their hospitality, warmth and love of friends envelopes us. What a couple!

I first encountered Ralph when, as a teenager, I attended his Wigmore Hall debut. At a time when the Wigmore Hall, very far from its present standing, attracted all too many mediocre players, that concert stuck out; I remember it to this day. After that, I saw his name around often, attended his concerts, and occasionally met him at a violin shop or concert hall; but it was many years before we became friends. But when we did – when he moved beyond the jokes to serious conversation! – he and Antoinette became an important part of my life, a position they still hold today (very much so!). We have been through so much together – from happy times to terrible ones; but their friendship has been constant, their comfort and solace so important and helpful. They’ve always ‘been there’ for me. (And I’d like to think that I have been able to reciprocate to some extent.)

One thing about Ralph, however: it’s not easy to say no to him! I must admit that I have a phobia about cello festivals. Not that I don’t enjoy them – I do; some of my greatest friends (perhaps surprisingly!) are cellists, and I love spending time with them. Cellists are fun! But the pressure… If I play badly at one of Ralph’s festivals – I know that 1000 cellists will be there, observing, remembering… So there have been times when Ralph has suggested that I come to one of them, and, having issued his ‘suggestion’ (ha!), has stood there with a charming little smile, eyebrows raised invitingly, awaiting my answer – and I’ve said no. I’ve given him all the reasons I can’t possibly make it, staring at the floor in my discomfort, and then, finally, dared to look at him: and my elaborate reasoning has been all in vain. The charming smile, the inviting eyebrows are still there! (Curiously, the smile and eyebrows even make themselves felt over the phone.) So then I’ve invariably heard myself agreeing to go, despite the attendant paranoia; the truth is that no-one refuses Uncle Cherry-Tree and lives to tell the tale…

He, however, is good at refusal: he has refused to age! He did have serious health issues during lockdown; but thank God he has bounced back, and seems more full of energy, enthusiasm and plans than ever. Wonderful! I send – as I’m sure countless musicians and muggles around the world do too – much love to him and to Antoinette, and wish them many, many more years of happiness – and of spreading happiness all around them.