Bach Solo Suites

Acclaimed cellist Zlatomir Fung returns to String Theory in a recital centered on one of the most beloved monuments of the repertoire: Bach’s Cello Suites. Fung first gained international attention as the first American in four decades – and the youngest musician ever – to win First Prize in the cello division of the International Tchaikovsky Competition. Praised for his extraordinary virtuosity and expressive sensitivity, he has quickly emerged as one of the leading cellists of his generation.

Composed around 1717-1723, Bach’s Cello Suites transformed the possibilities of a single instrument, creating worlds of extraordinary richness and emotional range through melody, arpeggiated harmony, and dance. From the sunny openness of the First Suite and the shadowy rooms of the Second to the confidence and exuberance of the Third, these works move between contemplation and celebration, revealing Bach’s enduring ability to create profound expression from the simplest musical means.