Oliver Herbert, cello
The recipient of a 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant, Oliver Herbert’s natural musicianship and connective performances are carving a unique path in the world of music. As a soloist, Mr. Herbert’s collaborations include appearances with the San Francisco Symphony, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Warsaw Philharmonic, Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Colombia, Erfurt Philharmonic, and Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, among others. He has worked with conductors such as Michael Tilson Thomas, Juanjo Mena, and Alexander Shelley.
Driven by the living quality and relevance of the works he presents to audiences, Mr. Herbert sees his role as a cellist as being a conduit for magical musical messages. His work is fueled by a passion for music ranging from past centuries to the present, with concerto performances spotlighting works from CPE Bach to Haydn, Schumann, Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Ibert, Elgar, Barber, Shostakovich, Schnittke, Lutosławski, and Vasks, among others.
As a chamber musician, Mr. Herbert appears regularly at leading festivals and venues such as the Rheingau Festival, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, Marlboro Music Festival, La Jolla SummerFest, Verbier Festival, ChamberFest Cleveland, Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival, Caramoor, Chamber Music Society Palm Beach, and the Ravinia Festival. During his two summers at Marlboro, Mr. Herbert had the opportunity to work closely and perform with legendary pianist Mitsuko Uchida, the festival’s director.
Oliver Herbert’s recital engagements have brought him across the United States to venues such as the Ravinia Festival and Kravis Center, as well as on tour to Greece, Germany, Switzerland, and Hong Kong. His programs are known for combining the beloved with lesser known works, contextualizing them with equal advocacy and commitment.