Pre-college cellists from throughout New Jersey are invited to audition for a master class with renowned cellist and teacher Paul Katz. Auditions will be held Sunday, November 12, and nominations to audition are due by October 27. Applicants must be nominated by their teachers and must live and study cello in New Jersey. To nominate a student, see jccotp.org/ concerts-and-events. The master class will take place on Monday, December 11, at 4:00 p.m. Attendance is open to the public with free admission.
“We are very excited to showcase Mr. Katz, who is esteemed both as a performer and as a pedagogue,” said Dorothy Kaplan Roffman, director of the Thurnauer School of Music. “Master classes give students and audience members a valuable opportunity to gain insight into musical works and the artistic process through an intimate, public coaching.”
As cellist for the legendary Cleveland Quartet for 26 years, Paul Katz made more than 70 recordings, receiving many distinctions including Best of the Year Awards from Time Magazine and Stereo Review, 11 Grammy nominations, and 2 Grammy Awards. “Talent Has Hunger,” a film about Katz and his students, was released in 2016, directed by Academy Award-nominated Josh Aronson. Since 2001 Mr. Katz has taught cello at the New England Conservatory and directs NEC’s Professional String Quartet Training Program. His students have achieved international careers, performing with some of the most illustrious string quartets and serving as principal chairs in major symphony orchestras around the country. In conjunction with WGBH in Boston and NEC, Katz created cellobello.com, an international cello website that featuring video lessons and resources for students and teachers.
The Master Class is presented as part of the Thurnauer School of Music’s Sylvia and Jacob Handler Master Class series, and will be the 73rd master class offered at the Thurnauer School since 1996, each featuring renowned artists such as violinist Itzhak Perlman and cellist Steven Isserlis. The series is funded by Drs. Joan and Alan Handler.
The JCC Thurnauer School of Music is a vibrant music community offering private music lessons, group classes and ensembles including chorus, orchestra and jazz. All classes are taught by nurturing and distinguished faculty and children enjoy frequent performance opportunities throughout the year. Enrollment is open and JCC membership is not required. To learn more or to schedule a tour, call 201-408-1465.
