ABOUT
Mission Statement
The Violoncello Society aims to promote the art of cello playing in the United States, provide a common meeting ground for professional and amateur cellists, promote interest in the cello as a solo instrument, provide opportunity of performances for artist and composer, develop a broader and more mature understanding of the art of the cello, and further the members artistic development.
The Violoncello Society was formed in 1956, the same year the highly acclaimed cellist Mstislav Rostropovich made his New York debut and visited with the VCS Board. Since that time, the organization has hosted cellists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Lynn Harrell, Jean-Guihen Queyras, Philippe Muller, and Miklós Perényi. Luminaries of the past include Gregor Piatigorsky, Jacqueline du Pré, Janos Starker, Bernard Greenhouse, and Zara Nelsova as well as the Founders of the VCS.
PRESIDENT
Kate Dillingham
VICE PRESIDENT
Robert Reed
TREASURER
Mark Shuman
SECRETARY
Sean Grissom
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Evangeline Benedetti
Alessandro Benetello
Hannah Holman
Sara Sant'Ambrogio
Patricia Santos
Inbal Segev
Jay Shulman
Jeffrey Solow
Jeffrey Zeigler
HONORARY PAST PRESIDENTS
Pablo Casals*
Gregor Piatigorsky*
Mstislav Rostropovich*
PAST PRESIDENTS
Evangeline Benedetti (2019-2020)
Frederick Zlotkin (2017-2019)
Jeffrey Solow (2007-2017)
Joel Krosnick (2003-2007)
Zara Nelsova* (1992-2002)
Bernard Greenhouse* (1986-1992)
Stephen Kates* (1983-1986)
Claus Adam* (1975-1983)
Lillian Rehberg Goodman* (1972-1975)
Alan Shulman* (1967-1972)
Janos Scholz* (1962-1967)
Bernard Greenhouse* (1956-1961)
* Deceased