Biography - Jon Fistein - cellist

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, where 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 then won an Imperial College / Royal College Scholarship. This enabled further private study with Amaryllis Fleming and William Pleeth. Subsequently, he studied with Stefan Popov.

He is now in demand as a soloist, chamber musician, teacher and freelancer. He has given numerous recitals in Europe and the UK. He was a founder member of the Anglian Ensemble and he works closely with contemporary composers to commission new works for the cello.