The cellist's new project, "The Elves and the Cello Maker," will make its debut on WQXR on December 21, 2023

Cellist and VC Artist Zlatomir Fung has written and performed in a new audio play, titled The Elves and the Cello Maker — which is based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale The Elves and the Shoe Maker.

The program will debut on WQXR's Artist Propulsion Lab podcast stream on December 21, here.

Set in New York City, the play follows a cello maker (played by WQXR host Jeff Spurgeon), his cello-playing daughter, June (operatic mezzo Briana Hunter), and an elf named Q (drag performance artist and violinist Thorgy Thor). Fung himself makes a brief appearance as an Uber driver, while New York Philharmonic principal cellist Carter Brey cameos as himself.

Fung also composed cello music for the play, which he performs on the recordings alongside fellow cellist Nick Canellakis. He is presently Artist-in-Residence with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and has recently made concerto debuts with the New York Philharmonic, London Philharmonic Orchestra, and BBC Philharmonic. Fung was the youngest cellist to win First Prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition.

"When I was invited to be a part of the 2023 Artist Propulsion Lab, I immediately began to think of ways to integrate my love for music and my love for the audio medium," Fung said. "I've long had an interest in creative writing, so I was honored when I was granted the opportunity to write a Christmas-themed audio drama for children. I love the idea of huddling around a fireplace, with a radio — or in today's world, a phone or a computer — and allowing the sound of someone’s words to inspire fantastical images in your mind."

"When APL began, we hoped that musical performers and creators would stretch our imaginations and push us to new possibilities of what WQXR can do and be for the musical community," said Ed Yim, WQXR's Chief Content Officer. "Zlatomir’s project is a beautiful example of how an artist’s creativity can result in unique and joyful programming for our listeners."