Cellist David Watkin has Died, Aged 60

A principal cellist with a number of orchestras, Watkin also made a seminal recording of the Bach cello suites

The British cellist, pedagogue, and early-music specialist David Watkin has passed away at the age of 60.

Watkin studied Music at the University of Cambridge, while also taking cello lessons with William Pleeth and singing lessons with Kenneth Bowen. A finalist in the prestigious Shell/LSO Competition, Watkin also received the Bulgin Medal and held the Principal Cello chair in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

A respected principal cellist, Watkin's career in this area spanned both modern and historically informed playing: he held leading roles with the English Baroque Soloists, Orchestre Revolutionnaire et Romantique, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

He was particularly renowned for his playing of Bach, with his disc of the complete cello suites receiving the Gramophone Award and a BBC Music Magazine Award. His performances of these works included those at Bach’s birthplace in Eisenach, at Frederick the Great’s Palace, and at the Prague Spring Festival — and he was featured in John Eliot Gardiner’s TV program Bach, A Passionate Life.

Eleven years before his death, Watkin was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease scleroderma, which forced him to retire from playing. He then devoted himself to conducting and to teaching. 

Watkin is survived by his two sons. Our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

"David was one of the finest cellists of his generation — a master soloist, chamber musician, orchestral leader, and conductor," wrote the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in a statement. "We have all been privileged to work with and learn from David. His recording legacy alone established him as one of the world’s preeminent Bach interpreters and scholars."

"Playing beside David for nearly ten years was truly one of the greatest honors of my life," wrote Su-a Lee, sub-principal cello of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. "As a cellist, he was a genuine force of nature — brilliant and exuberant, with an energy that lifted everyone around him. In our SCO cello section of four, he made each of us feel like copilots, affectionately calling us his 'four-wheel-drive.'"

"Despite his devastating diagnosis of scleroderma...David's passion never dimmed. He poured himself into conducting and teaching, sharing his immense knowledge with younger musicians, providing them with immeasurable inspiration and support."

"By some miracle, before his fingers became too affected, he recorded all six Bach Solo Suites — recordings that stand as a testament to his extraordinary musicianship and historical understanding."