Our Trustee, Robert Cohen, is to be named William Pleeth professor of cello in recognition of his career and teaching achievements at the Academy over the last 27 years. The new title commemorates William Pleeth, the renowned cellist and pedagogue. Among the numerous musicians inspired by Pleeth, he only taught three children: his own son Anthony, Jacqueline du Pré and Robert Cohen.
’What a wonderful way to celebrate and honour William Pleeth,’ said Cohen. ’I’m thrilled to receive this prestigious title.’
Cohen’s international career has spanned over four decades as soloist performing concertos worldwide with artists such as Michael Tilson Thomas, Riccardo Muti, Claudio Abbado, Mark Elder, Charles Mackerras and Simon Rattle. His chamber music collaborations include concerts and recordings with Yehudi Menuhin, Amadeus Quartet and Leonidas Kavakos. His award-winning discography began aged 19 with Elgar’s Cello Concerto and London Philharmonic Orchestra. (The Strad)