Jon
Fistein was born in Lancashire in 1970, and is now based in
Cambridge, UK. He started to learn the cello
aged 4 using the Suzuki Method.
He
attended the Manchester Grammar School. During his time
there he won the Chamber Music Competition for Schools and
gained the Guildhall School of Music's Licentiate diploma in
cello performance.
After
school, Jon went up to Jesus College, Cambridge, to read medicine. However, music remained his first love. He
was awarded an Instrumental Exhibition which enabled him to
continue to develop as a cellist, through lessons with
Alexander Baillie and Lowri Blake. He played as principal
cellist with the university orchestras, and gave many
solo and chamber recitals.
Jon completed his medical training in London, where he
won an Imperial College / Royal College Scholarship. This
enabled further private study with Amaryllis Fleming and William Pleeth. Subsequently, he studied with Stefan Popov.
Music
finally triumphed over medicine in 2002, when he decided to
devote himself entirely to playing the cello. He is now in
demand as a soloist, chamber musician, teacher and
freelancer. He has given numerous recitals in Europe and the
UK.
