Cellist Sophie Kauer Becomes Youngest Musician to Reach #1 on Classical Audio Streaming Chart

Deutsche Grammophon and Verve Label Group recently announced the new record

At 21, British-German cellist Sophie Kauer has become the youngest player to reach the top spot on the Classical On-Demand Audio Streaming Chart. The EP that took her there is Unsung, recorded with pianist Kunal Lahiry and released on Deutsche Grammophon in 2023.

Specifically featured on the charts was Kauer's performance of the first of Clara Schumann's Three Romances, Op. 22.

Unsung was released in March in celebration of International Women's Day and features composers and works that are lesser-known.

Kauer, who is also an actor, starred in the 2022 Todd Field film Tár, for which she also recorded sections of the Elgar Cello Concerto alongside the London Symphony Orchestra.

Born in London, Sophie Kauer studied with Melissa Phelps in the junior department of the Royal Academy of Music. She is presently a student of Torleif Thedeén at the Norwegian Academy of Music.

"[I am] so overwhelmed with pride and gratitude," Kauer wrote on social media. "Heartfelt thanks to my partner in crime Kunal Lahiry."

You can hear another track from the album, the third of Nadia Boulanger's Three Pieces for Cello and Piano, below.