Cello festival attracts world’s best

Press Release
25 March  2009

Cello festival attracts world’s best

Some of the world’s best young cellists will be competing in the 7th ADAM International Cello Festival and Competition in Christchurch over the coming week. “We are fortunate to have such talented performers and judges in Christchurch for what has become one of the most prestigious cello competitions in the world” said Catherine Lister, Festival CEO.

The festival runs for 7 days from 27th March to 3rd April, and presents a magnificent programme of recitals, competition rounds, master classes, workshops, conversazione and social events. It has achieved the reputation of one of the pre-eminent events in the world’s musical calendar.

“It is a privilege to welcome renowned cellists’ Frans Helmerson, Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt, and Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi as members of the international jury” said Ms Lister. They join festival co-founders Natalia Pavlutskaya and Alexander Ivashkin, who is also Artistic Director. 

“This year we have selected 20 outstanding young musicians to perform in the final three rounds in New Zealand.  The exceptionally high calibre of all competitors guarantees  a keenly fought contest down to the very last note”.

15 year old virtuoso and ex-Burnside High student Yuuki Bouterey-Ishido is one of the final 20.  Ms Lister said that Mr Bouterey-Ishido is a very talented young cellist who would undoubtedly wow any audience, especially one from his hometown.

The festival, based at the Arts Centre, starts on Friday 27th March and culminates in the Finals Gala concert with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in the Town Hall on Friday 3rd April.

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