A Musical Gift

INSPIRING Russian-born cellist Yuri Anshelevich made his recital debut at the age of nine, and five years later earned acceptance at the famed Moscow State Conservatory, graduating with highest honors in 1960. The same year, he won First Prize in the Cello Division of the All-Russian Competition, which led to studies with world-famous cellist Mstislav Rostropovich.

In 1977, Yuri Anshelevich joined the Dallas Symphony Orchestra as Associate Principal Cello and performed for 38 years, retiring in 2015. Anshelevich was part of the DSO’s growth, performing with many musicians and three Music Directors from 1977 to 2015. He went on to serve on the faculty of Southern Methodist University and as artist-in-residence at the University of Dallas. Now, still active as a soloist and chamber musician, he honors his decades in the orchestra with a generous gift, a number of cellos and bows straight from the cellist’s personal collection.

The five cellos and eight bows, valued at $1.7 million in total, hail from London and Italy. These instruments were created from 1717 to 1975. These high-quality instruments can improve tonality and sound, revealing depth and resonance, and, thanks to skillful craftmanship, look beautiful on stage! The cellist has continued to attend concerts at the DSO since his retirement, but Anshelevich returned to his home on the Meyerson stage for a special performance on one of his instruments on Saturday, November 5, 2022, in honor of this precious gift and his remarkable tenure at the DSO. World-renowned Music Director Fabio Luisi conducted Anshelevich and the DSO in a performance of Kol Nidrei (All Vows) by Max Bruch. The piece, Bruch’s second most frequently performed work, features a beautiful, harrowing cello solo accompanied by strong, sweeping orchestral melodies. This performance opened the November 5 Texas Instruments Classical concert. Longtime DSO patrons enjoyed seeing a familiar, and brilliant, face on stage when Anshelevich returned.

Fabio Luisi claimed, “The addition of this collection to the ensemble will enrich the sound of the cello section. We are thankful for his generosity and for his many years of performance and friendship.” Along with his generous gift, the DSO named the Manager of Orchestra Personnel in his and his late wife Olga’s honor. Nishi Badhwar currently holds the Olga & Yuri Anshelevich Manager of Orchestra Personnel position. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is incredibly grateful to Yuri Anshelevich, for entrusting us with a gift that will have lasting effects. Soon enough, you can return to the symphony to see and hear Mr. Anshelevich’s gifts in action in their new permanent home!