About

An accomplished and versatile cellist from the Pacific Northwest, Isaac Berglind enjoys an active career performing as a chamber, orchestral, and solo cellist. Beginning his cello studies at the age of 11, Isaac studied with Efe Baltacigil and Janice Lee before beginning his undergraduate career at the Eastman School of Music under the tutelage of David Ying. During his time at Eastman, Isaac was awarded the Glenn L. and Frances Harris Prize for outstanding work and accomplishment during his Eastman career. He recently completed his Master of Music degree with Paul Katz at the New England Conservatory.

Over the years, Isaac has been a fellow at festivals including the Tanglewood Music Center, New York String Orchestra Seminar, Taos School of Music, and most recently, the Bowdoin International Music Festival. He’s participated in masterclasses with Yo-Yo Ma, Antonio Meneses, Darrett Adkins, Paul Katz, Norman Fischer, and David Geber. He maintains a full teaching studio in Bellevue, WA.

Music

The music I play comes from a long tradition rooted in classical music. The Cello Suites by Johann Sebastian Bach are my favorite pieces for solo cello, written between 1717-1723. Arguably no other composer has had such a strong and lasting influence, inspiring musicians of every genre, all the way from Beethoven to The Beatles. Although the cello usually plays just one note at a time, Bach creates the illusion that there are multiple voices happening at once, and through his music, he expresses the full range of human emotion.

The composers I play who came later continued to evolve what Bach left behind. Ludwig van Beethoven completely revolutionized the cello and piano sonata, and the roles the two instruments could share with one another. As a cellist, I also get to play in many types of ensembles, like piano trio, string quartet, orchestra, and more. It's a privilege to share music of every era, including music written as recently as yesterday.

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