Julian Lloyd Webber

On 28 April 2014, English cellist Julian Lloyd Webber announced his intention to retire from his performing career due to a herniated disc in his neck which is limiting movement in his bowing arm.

'I am devastated. There were so many exciting plans that cannot now come to fruition. I have had an immensely fulfilling career and feel privileged to have worked with so many great musicians and orchestras, but now I have to move on.'

His final performance as a cellist will be on 2 May 2014 at the Forum Theatre in Malvern, Worcestershire UK, with the English Chamber Orchestra.

Born on 14 April 1951, Julian Lloyd Webber is the son of composer William Lloyd Webber and piano teacher Jean Johnstone. He won a scholarship to the Royal College of Music and completed his studies with Pierre Fournier in Geneva. His professional debut was at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall in 1972, when he gave the first London performance of the Bliss Cello Concerto. He has made first recordings of more than fifty works, and has inspired new compositions by composers such as Malcolm Arnold, Joaquín Rodrigo, James MacMillan and Philip Glass.

The final concert in Malvern features Lloyd-Webber as both solo cellist and conductor in a programme dominated by English music. Elgar's Sospiri, Serenade for Strings, Chanson de Matin and Chanson de Nuit feature alongside works by Walton and Vaughan Williams. In the second half, Julian will be joined by his wife, cellist Jiaxin Cheng, for a performance of Vivaldi's Concerto for two cellos, RV 532.

Information: www.julianlloydwebber.com

Posted: 1 May 2014

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