Canadian Cellist Christian Elliott has Died, Aged 41

Elliott was a member of the Zehetmair Quartet and a past principal cellist of the Irish Chamber Orchestra

The Canadian cellist Christian Elliott, who was the cellist of the Zehetmair Quartet, has passed away at the age of 41.

Born in Ottawa, Elliott first began learning music from his father. He studied at McGill University with Matt Haimovitz and then at the Royal Northern College of Music with Hannah Roberts and Ralph Kirshbaum.

He joined the Zehetmair Quartet, which is particularly renowned for its performances from memory, in 2014, and appeared with the group at the Lucerne Festival, London Wigmore Hall, Berlin Konzerthaus, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Vienna Konzerthaus and Musikverein, Barcelona Palau de la Música, and at the Edinburgh International Festival.

Elliott was also Principal Cello of the Irish Chamber Orchestra between 2016 and 2022, appearing as soloist and director on a number of occasions — and he gave the premiere performance of Ian Wilson’s double concerto for cello and double bass with the orchestra. He regularly appeared as guest principal cellist with orchestras throughout the UK.

He was also a composer, and his string sextet Amulet — which was commissioned by Steven Isserlis to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Prussia Cove — received its premiere at Wigmore Hall.

"We are heartbroken that our great cellist Christian left us," the Zehetmair Quartet said. "What stays with us are dear memories of being together and enjoying the love between us. Thank you Christian for your pure energy and commitment over the years, we miss you deeply."