Alisa Weilerstein is an American cellist widely hailed for her impassioned musicianship and technical finesse. Born on April 14, 1982, into a musical family—her father is a violinist and her mother a pianist—she began playing the cello at the age of four. By age 13, she made her professional debut with the Cleveland Orchestra, and the following year, in 1997, she had her first performance at Carnegie Hall.

Weilerstein's discography reflects her broad artistic range, encompassing the cornerstones of the cello repertoire while also committing to contemporary compositions. Her rendition of Bach's Cello Suites stands as a testament to her grasp of the instrument's classical tradition, while her recording of Larcher's "The Living Mountain" showcases her dedication to contemporary work, a piece of evocative, modern compositions. Notable recordings of hers include the complete Elgar and Elliott Carter cello concertos with the Berlin Philharmonic and Daniel Barenboim, and Shostakovich's Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2, another exemplar of her facility with both the emotionally fraught and technically demanding works of the 20th-century repertoire.

In addition to being a highly sought-after soloist, Alisa Weilerstein dedicates a portion of her career to chamber music. Her collaborations with prominent musicians and conductors, as well as her membership with the long-standing Weilerstein Trio, with her parents, continue to affirm her status as one of her generation's most captivating musical talents. Her passion, depth, and commitment to her craft have earned her a multitude of accolades, including a MacArthur "Genius" Grant in 2011—a testament to her standing as a significant figure in the contemporary classical music scene.

Genres

Classical Cello

Classical Performance

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Jacqueline du Pré

Mischa Maisky

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Mstislav Rostropovich

Sol Gabetta

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Apocalyptica

Sheku Kanneh-Mason

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Jean-Guihen Queyras

Latest Release

Brahms: Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1 in G Major, Op. 78 (Arr. for Cello and Piano by Alisa Weilerstein & Inon Barnatan): Adagio

Johannes Brahms•

Alisa Weilerstein•

Inon Barnatan

Single - Released October 25, 2024