Death of noted cellist and conductor, 60

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland has announced the death of Professor David Watkin, a leading cellist and conductor of baroque ensembles. Before taking up the professorship, Watkin was principal cellist of English Baroque Soloists, Orchestre Revolutionnaire et Romantique, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the Philharmonia Orchestra and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

He recorded Vivaldi for Hyperion, Beethoven on Chandos, Haydn’s Sinfonia Concertante for Virgin and Schubert Quintet with the Tokyo Quartet for Harmonia Mundi, among much else.

He recently told the St Endellion Festivals:
In February my kidneys suddenly packed in. It’s one of the possible effects of the scleroderma I’ve had for a while. I had hoped to be out of hospital sooner, and perhaps be better in time, but I’m still using a wheelchair and not able to do much without help. I’m determined to recover as fully as possible – and not ready to give up yet.
You are the most inspiring group of people. Look after each other and keep finding ways to continue the spirit of this wonderful festival.

A warm musician and generous colleague, David Watkin’s death is widely mourned,

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