Julian Lloyd Webber is one of the UK’s most recognisable classical musicians. An acclaimed cellist, during his career which spans more than three decades, he has worked with everyone from the London Symphony Orchestra to Elton John. This year he becomes the musician in residence at the Corn Exchange, and will kick off his tenure with a solo recital this month.
How did your residency the Corn Exchange come about?
“I was already scheduled to play with the European Union Chamber Orchestra and they were looking for someone to take on this role, and luckily they thought of me, so I was very flattered. The Corn Exchange is a great venue – I’ve played in it a few times and really liked it, and Cambridge being a beautiful city makes it a great place to be based for a while.”
What links do you have with the city of Cambridge?
“I recently premiered a piece by Eric Whittaker there, and have been in residence at one of the colleges, so just know the city from playing there. I’ve also got a really good relationship with the Leys School – I opened their new music block and have visited there several times.”
As part of your residency you’ll be running masterclasses with local cellists and children. Do you think learning music improves children’s ability to learn in other areas as well?
“Yes that’s absolutely true. I’ve been improved with the Harmony Project for a few years, which aims to give children in deprived communities free instruments and free tuition. In only a couple of years, numeracy and literacy has gone up, which is why the Government are now planning to roll it out.”
What can you tell us about the recital on 21 January?
“It’s a very varied, but meaty programme; we’ve got two incredible sonatas including Rachmaninov’s which is just a great piece. Also, because it’s the 150th anniversary of Delius’ birth we’re playing a Delius sonata which is another beautiful piece.”
What’s it like being married to a fellow cellist?
“It’s a new situation for me, because I’ve never even been out with a musician before! It’s something I think I’m ready for now, and I wasn’t when I was much younger. She’s a very good cellist so she’s not afraid to say if something isn’t quite right – and vice versa. We’ve actually got a record coming out the week of the 21st – the first recording we’ve done together called Evening Songs. It’s been an extraordinary experience because we’re able to rehearse as long as we like and we’re very critical of each other, so we went in there completely rehearsed.”
Cello players get very attached to their instruments – is that the case with you?
“The cello I play is the only one I’ve got. It’s my sound, and I wouldn’t ever want to give second best. I’ve had it since 1983 and so this is the one for me. It’s a Stradivarius and I’m really fortunate to be playing it. The instrument becomes very much part of the player; you know how to get the best out of it. If a player loses their instrument it’s tragic.”
Is it true it has to have its own seat booked on aeroplanes?
“Absolutely! There’s no way I’m putting it in the hold…”
Julian Lloyd Webber Recital, Saturday 21 January, 19:30. Cost: £20. Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street, T: 01223 357851.
