David Watkin, the distinguished British cellist, educator, and specialist in early music, has died at the age of 60.
Watkin pursued his Music studies at the University of Cambridge, concurrently taking cello lessons under William Pleeth and vocal training with Kenneth Bowen. He was a finalist in the esteemed Shell/LSO Competition and was honored with the Bulgin Medal. Additionally, he served as Principal Cellist in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.
Throughout his career, Watkin was acclaimed as a principal cellist and excelled in both modern and historically informed performance practices. His leadership roles included engagements with the English Baroque Soloists, Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Philharmonia Orchestra, and Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
Watkin gained particular recognition for his interpretations of Johann Sebastian Bach. His recording of Bach’s complete cello suites earned both the Gramophone Award and a BBC Music Magazine Award. He performed these suites in notable venues such as Bach’s birthplace in Eisenach, Frederick the Great’s palace, and at the Prague Spring Festival. Furthermore, he appeared in John Eliot Gardiner’s television program Bach, A Passionate Life.
Eleven years prior to his passing, Watkin was diagnosed with scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that ultimately compelled him to retire from cello performance. Following this, he dedicated himself to conducting and teaching, imparting his knowledge to the next generation of musicians.
He is survived by his two sons. The music community extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
In a statement, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland lauded Watkin as “one of the finest cellists of his generation — a master soloist, chamber musician, orchestral leader, and conductor.” They added, “His recording legacy alone established him as one of the world’s preeminent Bach interpreters and scholars.”
Su-a Lee, sub-principal cellist of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, reflected, “Playing alongside David for nearly ten years was truly one of the greatest honors of my life. 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.'”
Lee also noted, “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.”
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
