Cellist Jacqueline du Pre was born January 26, 1945.  She would have turned 66 today had she not been stricken with multiple sclerosis and passed away October 19, 1987.  Her playing was legendary and has been incredibly inspiring for me.  Elgar‘s Cello Concerto in E Minor is certainly the most notable performance, but I even prefer her interpretation of Bach’s Cello Suite No 1 in G.

My journey with this beautiful instrument began only a few years ago with a “beginner’s cello” and novice lessons.  Fast forward 4 years later and I have been working on Grade 6 pieces for this spring’s RCM examinations.  Just this year I have begun to play with the Baroque and Buskin Orchestra and have had endless joy making both music and new friendships.  Someone once told me I needed to have begun learning a new instrument when I was 5 years old.  Never underestimate the power of passionate desire to discover something new at any age!