Whether it’s Dvořák’s Cello Concerto or Pirates of the Caribbean, cellist Kian Soltani’s curiosity and commitment to music of all styles has captivated audiences around the world with playing described as ‘sheer perfection’ (Gramophone).
Kian’s rise to fame began with a win at the 2013 International Paulo Cello Competition in Helsinki, leading to international recognition. Deutsche Grammophon Artist since 2017, he published multiple albums, such as Cello Unlimited (2021) a series of multi-tracked cello arrangements, all arranged and performed by Kian himself, an expression of his love for the power of film music. His next album, featuring Schumann’s Cello Concerto alongside Camerata Salzburg, is out later this September.
Growing up in Bregenz, Austria, to a family of Persian musicians, nowadays Kian splits his time between Zurich and Vienna, following an appointment in 2023 as Professor of Cello at the latter’s University of Music and Performing Arts.
On new stages, creative processes, inspirations, and his passion for the cello, among other topics, journalist Oliver Pashley conducts this interview with Soltani on the Interlude portal. The full conversation is available at the following link.
