Raphael Wallfisch

Renowned for an extensive repertoire with particular emphasis on British composers yet extending far beyond, cellist Raphael Wallfisch has produced a wealth of recordings on Chandos and additional imprints. Born in London on June 15, 1953, he came from a musical family; his father Peter Wallfisch worked as a pianist while his mother Anita Lasker-Wallfisch gained recognition as a cellist. Initially pursuing violin and piano, Wallfisch transitioned to cello at age eight following a concert by Zara Nelsova. During his teenage years he trained under Amaryllis Fleming and spent a year with Amadeo Baldovino in Italy. From 1970 to 1973 he enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music under Derek Simpson. He then relocated to California to continue studies with Gregor Piatigorsky, who facilitated private recitals alongside Jascha Heifetz. In 1977 Wallfisch secured first prize at the Gaspar Cassadó International Cello Competition held in Florence, Italy, which paved the way for his swift ascent to international prominence. Throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s he collaborated in a duo with his father Peter. His discography commenced during the LP period with Chandos, including a notable 1982 album featuring Samuel Barber's Cello Concerto alongside Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 107. Wallfisch has toured extensively worldwide, appearing with nearly every major British orchestra as well as prominent European groups such as the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, and Bergen Philharmonic. American performances include those with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Minnesota Orchestra, while international engagements encompass the Sydney Symphony, New Zealand Symphony, and Singapore Symphony among others. He participates in Amici della Musica, an ensemble he established, and in the Trio Shaham Erez Wallfisch featuring Hagai Shaham on violin and Arnon Erez on piano; this trio presented all of Beethoven's trios at Wigmore Hall during 2020. Beyond Chandos, his recordings appear on Naxos—including a full set of Vivaldi cello concertos—Nimbus, CPO, and numerous further labels. Wallfisch frequently performs at Berlin's Jewish Museum and has documented a collection of compositions by Jewish refugee composers titled "Voices in the Wilderness" for CPO. His 2023 release, Jonathan Dove: In Exile, issued by Lyrita, involved the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and baritone Simon Keenlyside. At that point his extensive catalog included around 100 recordings.