Gregor Piatigorsky

Despite his young age, Piatigorsky was appointed principal cellist of the Berlin Philharmonic in 1924 at just 21 years old. He played under the direction of the legendary conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler, solidifying his status as a preeminent 20th-century virtuoso.

After relocating to the United States, Piatigorsky taught at several prestigious institutions. He notably held positions at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and later at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles.

Because of his massive influence and unmatched skill, numerous composers wrote works specifically for him. Most notably, Sergei Prokofiev composed his famous "Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 58" (later revised into the "Symphony-Concerto") with Piatigorsky in mind.

For much of his international solo career, Piatigorsky played a magnificent Stradivarius cello constructed in 1714. This instrument was famously known as the "Batta-Piatigorsky" cello and was previously owned by other legendary cellists before him.