Alfia Nakipbekova, Cello

Biography

Alfia Nakipbekova (Bekova) was born in Central Kazakhstan and studied at the Moscow Conservatoire with Mstislav Rostropovich as well as receiving regular master classes from Daniel Shafran. She was awarded the "Special Prize for Outstanding Mastery of the Cello" at the Casals Competition in Budapest and soon after moved to London where she studied with Jaqueline du Pre.

Here in the UK she soon established herself as an innovative soloist, chamber musician (with The Bekova Trio) and recording artist (Chandos). Alfia began a series of "Bach Marathon" recitals in 1998 and since then has performed in various venues and festivals, including London (St John Smith Square), Oxford, Aldeburgh, Melbourne Festival, Cork Chamber Music Festival, Felcino Bianco Festival – Italy, Brussels and Orkney Islands. This concert will coincide with the release of the Bach Cello Suites (volume 1) CD, which was recorded at Papa Westray, St. Boniface Kirk in December 2007 (WCM).

A recent review of a Elgar Cello Concerto performed by Alfia Nakipbekova with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Marius Stravinsky on the 9th December 2007 at the Cadogan Hall: "I had never heard Ms. Nakipbekova perform live and knew her better for having studied with Mstislav Rostropovich and for being one of the last present day cellists who had master classes with Jacqueline du Pre. I believe she did full justice to her distinguished late teachers. She was wonderful, delivering one of the most beautiful, poignant performances of Elgar's concerto that I have ever witnessed in concert. She instantly captured the audience with her graceful, smooth style and delicate dexterity. Her technique seems flawless, with the easy, natural legato which so often appears to be an inherent characteristic of the best cellists from the former Soviet Union." Margarida Mota-Bull SEEN AND HEARD INTERNATIONAL (MusicWeb International's Worldwide Concert and Opera Reviews.

"sensitive and elegant... a real joy to hear" The Strad

"seamless legato characteristic of the best Russian cellists" The Times

"...a substantial technique... the various tempos were rock-solid and agreeable" The Age, Melbourne

"...phenomenal energy on the cello... This was driven playing" The Arts on Friday, Melbourne(Bach Marathon, Melbourne Festival)

"awe-inspiring technique.." The Irish Times (Bach Suites performance Cork)