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.