Hi all,

On Friday my friend Amy who's in a mentor programme for the NZSO (New Zealand Symphony Orchestra) received a free ticket for their performance with, among other performances such as a contrabassoon concerto (!), Julian Lloyd Webber!

I had never ever heard him before but he was such an amazing cellist...and during intermission he was signing albums (I hadn't any spare money on me so he wrote on my ticket) and I got to talk to him! His eyes are bright blue, kind of scary looking...

Anywho, can anyone back me up that he's quite possibly the most amazing cellist in the world? Seriously, the way he played it, the timbre changed so much it sounded like an oboe at one stage, it was so incredible... (excuse the rant)

He is very well known here...but has to fight for recognition as an accomplished cellist against being (Sir) Andrew's less famous brother, which is a shame.

Have you heard of Peter Wispelwey? He is the most stunning cellist I have heard in a while.

Glad you enjoyed the concert, what did he play?

I heard him a few years ago and even my mouthy, hates string instruments etc. (now ex) boyfriend was stunned into silence........ until he finished the piece at which point he said VERY loudly:

" S**T, he can really make that thing sing!!"

Hi Juila! Thanks for the introducing.

Julian Lloyd Webber is amazing. I LOVE HIM!!!!!!!!!!! He play the Elgar cello concerto. I still can't make up my mind about the different style of jacqueline du pre and Julian Lloyd Webber. Jacky plays more into the string and sometimes, especially the opening sound a little aggressive. Julian plays much lighter and really make it sing.

The day after the concerto. The mentor students was talking about Julian. One of the mentor student almost cried because Julian cello's sound is so beautiful!!!

I love him too! he is amazing. I went to hear him play the Elgar and kinda melted off into a little world of my own and he got of the end of the 1st movement and I realised I'd been sat gawping at him with my mouth open! talk about embarassed! I just shut my mouth and floated off again. I've seen him a few times now (once he played the Haydn cello concerto which was so amazing) and every time I get completely transfixed the sound that comes out of his cello is just so beautiful.

wow i'm so jealous, hes amazing!!!!!

I agree, he played the Shostakovitch 2nd Cello Concerto about three or four years ago in Liverpool with the RLPO. I have never seen a soloist have so much 'rapport' with the conductor. Oddly I dont think he has recorded this one (He hadnt at the time) , but I was able to buy a his double CD on Phillips with the Dvorak, Elgar, Saint Saens, Rococo Variations etc etc which he signed. I was able to exchange few words with him also. (His father William was Principal of the London College of Music) - I did LCM grades and Diploma.

HAHA!