Colin Carr – Celebrated Cellist and Musical Visionary

Colin Carr

Instrumentalist – Cello

Colin Carr is a renowned cellist whose musical prowess has captivated audiences worldwide. With a rich repertoire and an impressive list of accomplishments, he stands as a distinguished figure in the world of classical music.

Photo By: Jo Schofield

Born with an innate talent, Colin began his musical journey at the tender age of five. Recognizing his exceptional gift, he joined the esteemed Yehudi Menuhin School, where he had the privilege of studying under the tutelage of Maurice Gendron and later William Pleeth.

Colin’s dedication to his craft led to numerous accolades and awards throughout his career. Notably, he emerged victorious in the Naumburg Competition, securing the esteemed First Prize. He was also honored with the Gregor Piatigorsky Memorial Award and achieved Second Prize in the prestigious Rostropovich International Cello Competition. Additionally, he triumphed in the Young Concert Artists competition, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the classical music realm.

As a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist, and educator, Colin’s contributions to the world of music have been extraordinary. He has collaborated with major orchestras across the globe, including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, The Philharmonia, Royal Philharmonic, BBC Symphony, and many others. Conductors of the highest caliber, such as Rattle, Gergiev, Dutoit, Elder, Skrowasczewski, and Marriner, have had the privilege of working alongside him.

Colin’s profound musicality extends beyond orchestral performances. He has enraptured audiences with his captivating recitals alongside his exceptional duo partner, Thomas Sauer. Together, they have graced prestigious venues such as the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Philadelphia’s Chamber Music Society, and the renowned Wigmore Hall in London. Colin’s mastery of the Bach Solo Suites has been showcased at the Wigmore Hall, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Gardner Museum in Boston, as well as numerous cities across Canada.

An esteemed recording artist, Colin’s albums have received high acclaim from critics and listeners alike. His interpretations of the Bach Suites and the unaccompanied cello works of Kodaly, Britten, Crumb, and Schuller are hailed as definitive recordings. Collaborating with Thomas Sauer, his recording of the complete cello/piano works of Mendelssohn on Cello Classics has garnered significant praise. The Brahms Sonatas, a collaboration with pianist Lee Luvisi, has also found a special place in the hearts of music enthusiasts. Notably, Colin’s recent releases include the complete Bach Suites on the Wigmore Live Label and the complete Beethoven cello/piano music on the MSR label, performed alongside Tom Sauer. His exceptional talent was further showcased in Elgar’s Cello Concerto in a BBC Music Magazine recording with the BBC Philharmonic. Collaborating with the renowned Emerson Quartet, he contributed to Sony’s recordings of Tchaikovsky and Schoenberg sextets.

Chamber music holds a special place in Colin’s artistic journey. He has graced international chamber music festivals worldwide and has been invited as a guest artist by renowned ensembles such as the Guarneri and Emerson string quartets, as well as New York’s Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Colin is recognized for his contribution as an esteemed educator. He has served as a professor at the Royal Academy of Music since 1998, following 16 years on the faculty of the New England Conservatory in Boston. In 1998, he was bestowed the honor of “Musician in Residence” at St. John’s College, Oxford. In September 2002, he joined Stony Brook

 University in New York as a professor, further nurturing the next generation of musical talent.

Colin’s instrument of choice is a remarkable cello crafted by Matteo Gofriller in Venice in 1730. This instrument has become an extension of his artistic expression, enabling him to create breath-taking performances that resonate deeply with audiences.

Beyond his musical achievements, Colin finds solace in his cherished family life. He shares his home with his wife Caroline and their three children, Clifford, Frankie, and Anya, in a picturesque old house outside Oxford.

Contact Information

Official Website: Colincarr.net

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