21 Oct. A vibrant member of the Rome music scene since 1821, this music institution continues to offer a diverse season of classical and contemporary music – plus a little dance – notwithstanding crippling cuts in funding.

The season kicks off this year with a recital by the Latvian-born star cellist, Mischa Maisky. A regular guest at most major international festivals Maisky has the distinction of being the only cellist in the world to have studied with both Mstislav Rostropovich and Gregor Piatigorsky. Rostropovich described him as "...one of the most outstanding talents of the younger generation of cellists. His playing combines poetry and exquisite delicacy with great temperament and brilliant technique."

In his performing and recording career Maisky has worked in long-standing partnerships with many outstanding artists. As an exclusive Deutsche Gramophone artist, during the last 25 years he has made over 30 recordings with the world’s great orchestras. In Rome he plays three of Bach’s Suites for Cello.