Steven Isserlis

Steven has received the Anner Bijlsma Award from the Cello Biennale Festival Amsterdam. This prestigious prize was established in 2014 and is bestowed every four years to recognise exceptional contributions to cello performance, education and repertoire. Isserlis was presented with the statue, created by Dutch artist Elena Beelaerts van Blokland and 50,000 € grant to support cello education and projects, at a celebratory concert on 4 September at Muziekgebouw Amsterdam. He performed Saint-Saëns’s Second Cello Concerto with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra.

Anne Plaizier, and as Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Stichting Cello Biennale Amsterdam, said:

“Steven’s repertoire is remarkably wide, from the Baroque and early music to the music of today. Composers like Sir John Tavener and Olli Mustonen, among many others, have written new works for him.

“He is also an advocate of lesser-known music and composers, and has republished or arranged a number of pieces himself.

“On top of that, he is an author. His books include The Bach Cello Suites, a commentary on Robert Schumann’s Advice to Young Musicians, and children’s books about classical composers, such as Why Handel Waggled His Wig. He is also active on social media and runs a lively website where he never shies away from a sharp opinion.

“In short: a super cellist and a musical all-rounder, and a worthy recipient of the Anner Bijlsma Award.”