Bernhard Romberg certainly isn’t a household name.
The German cellist and composer was, however, a good friend of one of the most recognizable names in the history of Western classical music: Ludwig van Beethoven.
“They were old pals,” says cellist Yuri Hooker, explaining that the two met in Bonn where they both performed in the court Orchestra.
“(Beethoven and Romberg), apparently, decided to go to Vienna at the same time,” says Hooker. “And to pay their passage on the boat, they both worked in the kitchen together.”
Winnipeg audiences will have the opportunity to hear the rarely performed music of Romberg in a student recital Hooker has organized.
“As I started digging, I found that there was all this music not just for students but for brilliant virtuoso (players) as well,” Hooker explains.
Featuring students from his studio, the cello-forward program features a variety of chamber combinations.
“I’m excited for the concert,” says Olivia Wurch, a 17-year-old cellist and student of Hooker.
Performing alongside her teacher, the pair will perform a series of cello duets composed by Romberg.
“It’s really neat for me to see the excitement in (my students),” says Hooker. “It’s just a real thrill.”
Presented free of charge, the Romberg concert takes place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 23 at the University of Manitoba’s St. John’s College.