Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra Hires New Solo Cellist

The Dutch cellist Anton Spronk will assume the role in 2024

Following his successful audition earlier this December, Anton Spronk will join the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra as solo cello in 2024 alongside Peter-Philipp Staemmler, who has held the same role since 2017. 

Spronk began learning the cello with his father Frank Spronk at age four, and at age 12, took lessons with Monique Bartels. He later attended the Zürich University of the Arts, under Thomas Grossenbacher, and has been currently studying with Jens Peter Maintz at the Berlin University of Arts.

At age 19, Spronk won first prize at the Competition of the Cello Biennale Amsterdam. Other accolades include Verbier Festival’s 2019 “Prix du Rotary,” the 2021 Dutch Classical Talent Award, first prize at Turin’s International Mazzacurati Cello Competition, among many others.

Regularly involved in masterclasses at the International Music Academy in Liechtenstein, his mentors have also included Steven Isserlis, Frans Helmerson, David Geringas, Valter Despalj, Anner Bijlsma, Jiang Wang, Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt, Troels Svane, and Wolfgang Boettcher. 

Spronk has performed with the Munich Chamber Orchestra, the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, The Hague Philharmonic, the South Netherlands Philharmonic, and the RAI National Symphony Orchestra. 

As a chamber musician, he also won first prize at the Kiwanis Competition, as a member of a clarinet trio. His festival appearances include the International Chamber Music Festival Utrecht, the Verbier Festival Academy, the Gstaad Festival, and the Gonjiam Festival.

Additionally, Spronk serves as artistic director of the Eggenfelden Klassisch International Music Festival, which he founded in 2016 in collaboration with violinist Larissa Cidlinsky.

Sprink plays an 1865 J.B. Vuillaume cello — generously on loan to him by The Dutch Musical Instruments Foundation.

“Anton Spronk has successfully passed the admission audition as a solo cellist with the renowned Frankfurt Radio Symphony,” the Musikakademie in Liechtenstein wrote on its website. “His exceptional talent on the cello and profound musical understanding have solidified his place in this prestigious orchestra.”

Founded in 1929, the Frankfurt Radio Symphony was one of the first radio symphony orchestras in Germany. Alongside its subscription concerts in projects, the orchestra engages in digital offerings and CD productions, and frequently performs in music centers in Europe and Asia.