The world-renowned cellist and conductor David Cohen embodies a unique combination of qualities making him one of the most versatile and exciting musicians of this day. He has been internationally acclaimed for his remarkable instrumental mastery, generous musicianship, vast experience in varied repertoires combined with a flamboyant charisma.
David will also be performing as part of this year’s Liberation International Music Festival, so today, we asked him ‘Why Does Music Matter to you?”. Read on below to find out why!
You’ve had a remarkable international career, how has music shaped your own sense of identity and purpose?
Music has been for air that I breathe since a young child, playing cello has been my most comfortable way of communicating with others , being on stage and sharing with a public small or large has always been where I felt most at home.
“Romantic Fire”, taking place on 15 May, brings together chamber music from Haydn to Mendelssohn. How do you think this kind of programming helps audiences connect emotionally with classical music?
Personally I always feel that it is the performers that bring the emotional connection of the piece to its audience, so it is down to the performer to succeed in the responsibility of making the connection.
What role do you believe music plays in bringing people together across different cultures and generations?
Music is and has always been a universal language, going from as far as communicating with simple sounds to intricate world of sounds and musical colours
Can you share a memory when a piece of music truly transformed how you felt or thought?
Since a recent tragic loss in my life, so much of Brahms music touches me in way that fo a time it was not possible for me to perform it without having such a strong emotional reaction that I could barely keep going… it still affects me deeply but more like a warm blanket of love.
How has your understanding of why music matters changed over the course of your career — from your early start to now being a conductor, soloist and principal cello?
Music has always mattered to me , this has never changed in my heart, my different roles and experiences have only confirmed and enriched that special blessing.
This concert supports Music in Action’s outreach work — why is it important for professional musicians to be involved in community-focused music programmes?
Music has such a incredible power for good , joy, happiness and for so many incredibly strong emotional feelings . That it needs to be brought and available to everyone that would thrilled to experience it. Music has the ability to stop time and make people forget about their day to day worry and focus on being on the moment … something we could all learn to do more often.