János Starker

Born in Hungary, Janos Starker was a child prodigy, who went on to become one of the world's most acclaimed cellists, noted for his magnificent solo performances of Bach's suites. His celebrity also included a colourful character and fascinating back story - he was interred by the Nazis during World War II and was also noted for a lifestyle of drinking and smoking. He was playing cello by the time he was six and was performing in concerts a year later; studying at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest with Adolf Schiffer, he was even teaching other children the cello by the time he was eight. He gave his first professional concert playing a Dvorak concerto at the age of 14 and, as a Jew, was interned by the Nazis, but survived World War II, unlike his two elder brothers, who were both murdered.

After the war he became principal cellist with the Budapest Opera and Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1948 he emigrated to the USA and became principal cellist with Dallas Symphony Orchestra in 1948 and then, the Metropolitan Opera in New York and in 1953, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. From there he moved on to Indiana Unversity Jacobs School of Music, where he was professor for many years, and resumed his solo career. During his career he made over 150 recordings and was noted for his vigorous, intense style and flawless technique; he was also outspoken and had many run-ins with conductors, who he described as 'the most overrated people in music'.