Dutch cellist Pieter Wispelwey returns to Shanghai for two evenings dedicated to Bach’s legendary Cello Suites. Known for his expressive interpretations and mastery on both modern and period instruments, Wispelwey brings all six of Bach’s suites to life over two performances at the Cadillac Shanghai Concert Hall — a rare chance to experience one of the greatest works ever written for solo strings.

Bach’s Cello Suites (BWV 1007–1012) are widely regarded as the pinnacle of compositions written for solo string instruments and serve as the ultimate benchmark for cellists. These six suites showcase Bach’s mastery of counterpoint and his profound sense of emotional and structural balance, standing as timeless works that transcend eras.

Program:
Recital I – January 15, 2026
Johann Sebastian Bach

• Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007
• Cello Suite No. 5 in C Minor, BWV 1011
  — Intermission —
• Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009

Recital II – January 16, 2026
Johann Sebastian Bach

• Cello Suite No. 4 in E-flat Major, BWV 1010
• Cello Suite No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1008
  — Intermission —
• Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012

About the Artist:
Pieter Wispelwey is equally at ease performing on both modern and period cellos. His acute stylistic awareness, originality, and exceptional technical command have earned him acclaim from critics and audiences worldwide. His repertoire spans from J.S. Bach to Schnittke and Elliott Carter, including numerous works composed especially for him. Wispelwey has performed as a soloist with leading orchestras such as the Boston Symphony, NHK Symphony, Tokyo Philharmonic, Sydney Symphony, London Philharmonic, Hallé Orchestra, BBC Symphony, and Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. He has collaborated with renowned conductors including Ivan Fischer, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Herbert Blomstedt, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Kent Nagano, Sir Neville Marriner, Philippe Herreweghe, and Sir Roger Norrington. He regularly appears at prestigious venues worldwide, including Wigmore Hall (London), Châtelet and Louvre (Paris), Concertgebouw (Amsterdam), Bozar (Brussels), Konzerthaus (Berlin), Teatro Colón (Buenos Aires), Walt Disney Concert Hall (Los Angeles), and Lincoln Center (New York).