I am pleased to announce that the 2nd Adelaide International Cello Festival will take place in 2011 from 1-10 April!

International cellists will include David Geringas, one of the greatest cellists in the world today and Dutch master Pieter Wispelwey. Younger generation cellists to include Li-Wei Qin, Pei-Jee Ng and Pei-Sian Ng who are London and Singapore-based as well as exciting the young German cellists Gabriel Schwabe and Nicolas Altstaedt. Former Paris Opera principal cellist Martine Fraitag will bring with her great experience in both orchestra and opera literature, and give audition and preparation advice for our up and coming professionals.

The Adelaide International Cello Festival will once again feature the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and its internationally renown Maestro Arvo Volmer, Music Director and Chief Conductor. 'Cellissimo' will once again be an amazing showcase where guest stars will be heard in concerto appearances in addition to the ASO Master Series concerts featuring David Geringas. These concerts will be held in the Adelaide Town Hall which is one of the very best concert hall acoustics in the world today. A perfect venue for lovers of cello music!

The cello festival will feature masterclasses, recitals and forums all open to the public. Cello pedagogy sessions will also be a focus for teachers teaching all levels and ages whether in private teaching practices or in schools.

The majority of activities will occur at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide, the festival's Major Partner. The iconic and historic Elder Hall will be the major venue for recitals and masterclasses.

The extremely popular Celebrity Lunchtime series will return during the cello festival. The students of the Elder Conservatorium will participate as performers in the Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Keith Crellin as well as in a solo capacity and in chamber music. Conservatorium composition students will be able to enter a composition competition at the cello festival - the chosen works will be performed during the cello festival.

A cello will built again in 10 days and performed on at the end of the festival! An added innovation will be the making of cello bows by invited masters with lectures and public questions welcome during the building process. Guadagnini will be the featured Italian cello master maker of the 18th Century. This project will return by popular demand.

Additional guests will be coming and projects are currently being developed . The Adelaide International Cello Festival will again attract huge interest in the community and bring together the most talented young cellists in Australia today and also be guided by the most distinguished Australian and international cello teachers and performers.

Best wishes and be welcome to the 2011 Adelaide International Cello Festival 1-10 April!

Please keep an eye on this website as regular news and developments will be added!