Cellist to bring new concerto

Press, 19 April 1982, Page 4

Cellist to bring new concerto

NZPA London The young British cellist, Julian Lloyd Webber, will tour Australia and New Zealand soon and perform a new concerto written for him by the blind Spanish composer, Joaquin Rodrigo. Two years ago, Mr Lloyd Webber wrote on impulse "to Mr Rodrigo, best known for his guitar concerto, and asked if he would write a cello work for him, "The Times” said. The result is the “Concierto Como Un Divertimento,” by Rodrigo. Mr Lloyd Webber admitted that his letter had been a long shot. "But I was keen that there

should be more music for the cello and I had nothing to lose," he said. “I was surprised and delighted to receive a reply quite quickly." He. said the work was technically hard.. “Joaquin Rodrigo thinks it is easy, but it is as hard as any work for the cello that I have played.” Mr Rodrigo, aged 80. described Mr Lloyd Webber as "an excellent cellist, an excellent artist.” It is Mr Rodrigo’s second cello concerto. "I have four guitar works queuing up for me to write, always more works for the guitar,” he said, admitting he was a bit “fed up" that,

reflecting the popularity of his "Concierto de Aranjuez," people are always wanting him to write more for the guitar. His new cello concerto has already attracted a great deal of interest worldwide. Mr Lloyd Webber is scheduled to perform it in New Zealand. Australia, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United States, and Germany, and it is being recorded at the end of this month. “For one year it is mine to play,” Mr Lloyd Webber explained. “What is important is that other players take it up, and I hope that will happen."