Natalie Clein visits RWCMD

RWCMD cellists were recently treated to an afternoon with Natalie Clein.

Widely considered one of Britain’s best loved cellists, Natalie attracted widespread attention aged 16 after winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year 1994. Natalie has recorded three CDs for EMI Classics and in September 2014 released a recording of the two Cello Concertos by Camille Saint-Saëns with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Andrew Manze.

Natalie took time out of her busy schedule (which includes curating concerts for BBC Radio at LSO St Luke’s) to lead a masterclass with students after her lunchtime concert.

Natalie Halliday, a first year MMus student and founder of Acacella, took part playing Britten’s Sonata.

“I played Britten because Natalie was playing a Britten piece that day and I’d really liked the way I’d her perform it before. It was nerve wracking but I knew she’d be a good person to get advice from. Masterclasses definitely add something different. It’s nice to have different people give you their opinion. It’s really inspiring having all these successful performers coming here and to have the opportunity not just to see them play, but to perform for them as well, is amazing.”