THE CELLOWORLD FESTIVAL
a groundbreaking international festival,
dedicated to the art of cello performance and teaching
The Festival
Celloworld Festival - Vienna
Passion - Inspiration - Excellence
The Celloworld Festival - dedicated to the art of cello performance and teaching - is designed for cellists who are passionate about the cello and want to take their performance or teaching, to the next level. This unique festival offers specialized training and interactive learning in four key areas:
Solo Performance
Orchestral Performance
Baroque Cello
Cello Pedagogy
Participants will have the opportunity to study with world-renowned cellists, each an expert in their field, through masterclasses, workshops, and concerts and optionally, perform in the "Celloworld Orchestra". The aim is to create a hub where cellists from around the world can connect, learn, challenge themselves and find inspiration in the culturally rich environment of Vienna - the “City of Music”.
Beyond the intensive musical experience, participants will have the opportunity to visit renowned places where legendary composers like Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms and others lived and created their masterpieces.
Join us for an unforgettable journey of artistic growth and inspiration at the Celloworld Festival!
The Founder
Anzél Gerber - Founder & Director. Specialist for gifted cellists
Solo- & teacher training
Internationally acclaimed cellist Anzél Gerber is celebrated for her expressive artistry, impeccable technique, and dedication to nurturing the next generation of cellists. In addition to her distinguished performing career, she has led masterclasses at prestigious music institutions and festivals across Europe, the USA, Asia, and Africa.
Born in South Africa, Gerber’s musical journey took her across the globe at just 16 years old to study with legendary cellists—disciples of Mstislav Rostropovich or his teacher, Simeon Kozolupov—in Spain, Russia, and the United Kingdom. She earned her PhD in Music Performance from Goldsmiths, University of London, under the mentorship of Prof. Alexander Ivashkin and Prof. Natalia Shakhovskaya.
Her deep passion for talent development inspired extensive post-doctoral research across China, Korea, Japan, Europe, and the USA, focusing on specialized training for gifted young cellists.
Based in Vienna, Austria, she continues to perform and teach internationally.
As the Founder and Director of the Celloworld Festival, Dr. Gerber brings extensive experience and passion for cello performance and education, fostering a vibrant community dedicated to the art of the cello.
Faculty
Peter Somodari - Principle cellist Vienna Philharmonic
Solo- & Orchestra training
Peter Somodari is the principal cellist of the Vienna Philharmonic and the Vienna State Opera Orchestra. Born in Veszprém, Hungary, Somodari began learning the cello at the age of four at the Leopold Auer Music School. He later studied at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest under renowned mentors such as László Mező, Miklós Perényi, György Kurtág, and Ferenc Rados.
As a soloist and chamber musician, Somodari's artistic journey has been shaped by inspiring collaborations with eminent musicians including Boris Pergamenschikov, Truls Mørk, Miklós Perényi, Tabea Zimmermann, Leonidas Kavakos, Christian Tetzlaff, Patricia Kopatchinskaja, György Kurtág, Jörg Widmann, Michael Collins, Sharon Kam, Sabine Meyer, Rudolf Buchbinder, as well as conductors like John Axelrod, Diego Fasolis, Tugan Sokhiev, and Franz Welser-Möst, along with the Vienna Philharmonic.
Somodari was previously involved with the Budapest Strings Chamber Orchestra, where he frequently performed as a soloist. He also played with the Keller Quartet and the Budapest State Opera. Before joining the Vienna Philharmonic and the Vienna State Opera Orchestra, he served as principal cellist of the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra and performed with the Amar Quartet during this time.
In addition to his role with the Vienna Philharmonic and the State Opera Orchestra, Somodari is a guest professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. Recently, he became the newest member of the Altenberg Trio.
Luis Zorita - Cellist of „Concentus Musicus“
Solo-, baroque cello & orchestra training
Luis Zorita, born in León, Spain, is a distinguished cellist renowned for his profound musicality and technical mastery. His formal education includes studies in Oviedo under Alexander Fedorchenko, in Chicago with Christopher Costanza, and in Vienna guided by Rudolf Leopold. Throughout his career, Zorita has garnered numerous accolades, securing top prizes in international competitions across the USA, Japan, Spain, and Austria.
As a soloist, Zorita has delivered compelling performances of major cello concertos, collaborating with esteemed conductors such as Sir Neville Marriner in Beethoven's Triple Concerto. His concert tours have graced prominent cultural centers worldwide, including Chicago, London, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Graz, and Vienna.
In the orchestral realm, Zorita has held principal cellist positions with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Camerata Salzburg, and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. He is also a valued member of the Merlin Ensemble Wien and, since 2007, the Kreisler Trio Wien. His chamber music endeavors have led to collaborations with pianists such as Eduard Kutrowatz and Alejandro Picó-Leonís.
Zorita's discography includes recordings of Mozart's Divertimento K 563 and Horn Quintet K 407, released under the Paladino Music label. He performs on a rare Giovanni Baptista Roggeri cello from 1675, lending a historic depth to his performances.
Beyond the stage, Zorita is dedicated to education, conducting masterclasses and serving as a regular instructor for youth orchestras, including the Joven Orquesta Nacional de España and various regional youth orchestras.
Luis Zorita's artistry continues to captivate audiences and inspire the next generation of cellists.
Lúcia Krommer – Baroque cello & Viola da Gamba
Lúcia Krommer is an acclaimed viola da gamba and baroque cello specialist, widely recognized for her expressive artistry and dedication to historically informed performance. Born in Hungary, she studied violoncello, viola da gamba, and chamber music, earning her Artist Diploma with distinction in both cello and chamber music from the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest in 1996. She continued her studies under the mentorship of José Vázquez at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, deepening her expertise in early music performance.
A versatile and accomplished performer, Lúcia has appeared extensively as a soloist and ensemble musician throughout Europe. Her interpretations are noted for their depth, stylistic sensitivity, and emotional nuance. She has collaborated with renowned ensembles such as the Orpheon Consort and Concentus Musicus Wien, and has been featured in major festivals and concert series dedicated to early music.
Lúcia is also a passionate educator. She has taught viola da gamba, baroque cello, and chamber music at the University of Brno, and has led masterclasses and courses at institutions and academies in France, Spain, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. Her teaching is informed by her deep knowledge of historical performance practice and her commitment to nurturing the next generation of early music specialists.
Her artistic output includes a number of acclaimed recording projects, which features repertoire by Orlando di Lasso and Marin Marais, highlighting her refined approach to historically grounded interpretation.
Lúcia Krommer performs on historically significant instruments, bringing authenticity and expressive richness to every performance.
Mark Churchill - Cellist, educator and conductor
Celloworld Orchestra, teacher training
Mark Churchill is a distinguished cellist, conductor, and educator whose career spans decades of performance, teaching, and leadership in classical music. He is widely recognized for his visionary work as Dean of Preparatory and Continuing Education at the New England Conservatory (NEC), where he founded the NEC Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (YPO). Under his direction, the YPO earned international acclaim through numerous tours across Europe, South America, and Asia, performing in prestigious venues such as the Berlin Philharmonie and the Mozarteum in Salzburg.
A dedicated educator, Churchill has guided countless young musicians, blending technical excellence with a deep appreciation for artistic expression. His teaching philosophy emphasizes holistic musical development, inspiring students to find their unique voices as performers. His commitment to education extends beyond traditional settings through his instrumental role in El Sistema USA, where he has championed the transformative power of music in underserved communities.
Churchill is also an accomplished conductor, having led orchestras and ensembles around the world. His conducting style is marked by a blend of precision and expressive freedom, encouraging musicians to connect deeply with their repertoire. At the Celloworld Festival, he offers a wealth of expertise, delivering masterclasses, cello ensemble/orchestra coaching and teacher training. His presence at the festival enriches the experience for participants of all ages and skill levels, fostering an environment of learning, inspiration, and artistic growth.
Benefits included in the course fee:
Orchestra performers:
Group lessons for audition preparation
Free access to attend all masterclasses and concerts
Optional participation in concert upon recommendation of lecturer
Active participation in Celloworld Orchestra and participation in concert
2 Excursions to historically significant venues
Single application fee: €790
Minor participant with parent/guardian fee: €1090
Solo performers:
Free access to attend all masterclasses and concerts
Participation in a concert at a historical venue in Vienna
Piano accompanist for lessons, 1 rehearsal and concert
Optional participation in Celloworld Orchestra with coaching and concert
2 Excursions to historically significant venues
Single application fee: €790
Minor participant with parent/guardian fee: €1090
Baroque cellists:
Masterclass/workshop-exploring the ´Viola da Gamba´
Free access to attend all masterclasses and concerts
Participation in concert at a historical venue in Vienna 2 Excursions to historically significant venues
Participation: baroque ensemble/chamber music
Single application fee: €790
Minor participant with parent/guardian fee: €1090
Cello teachers:
- Teaching virtuosity
- Aural development for cellists
- Exploring the Feldenkrais method
- The art of teaching
- Talent development
- Incorporating baroque techniques
Free access to attend all masterclasses and concerts.
Optional participation in Celloworld Orchestra and participation in concert.
2 Excursions to historically significant venues.
Single application fee: €790
Entries close 30 June 2025!
Please note that travel and accommodation expenses are excluded.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!
Preliminary calendar
10 August
Arrival day.
Rental cellos are to be collected around 16:00.
11 August
Masterclasses, workshops, rehearsals for opening concert.
Visiting the House of Music, Vienna
19:30: Opening ceremony and concert
12 August
Masterclasses, workshops and lectures.
Special event: Concert by Baroque Cello faculty, Salvator Hall.
13 August
Masterclasses, workshops and lectures.
14 August
Masterclasses, workshops and lectures.
Special event: Student concert in Mozart House
15 August
Visiting historic places where composers lived. Free time & practicing.
Celloworld Orchestra rehearsals
Teacher training lectures
Concert of Baroque Cello participants in Salvator Hall.
16 August
Masterclasses and lectures.
Concert and closing ceremony at Palais Pálffy, Figaro I.
Dinner at historical venue in Vienna.
Celloworld Festival
