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Claudio Jaffe, cello
Hailed by The New York Times as "an elegant and accomplished artist" of "taste, technique, musicianship, and a contagious youthful enthusiasm," cellist Claudio Jaffe captivates audiences with performances of color, passion, and virtuosity. His playing has been praised for its eloquence and emotional depth, with The New London Day citing his "pathos and tenderness," "superb intonation," "robust sound," and "overall musical command."
As a recitalist and chamber musician, Jaffe has appeared in many of the world's most prestigious venues, including Weill Recital Hall, Town Hall, and Merkin Concert Hall in New York City; the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC; Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires; Sala Cecilia Meireles in Rio de Janeiro; Sociedade Cultura Artistica in Sao Paulo; Wigmore Hall in London; Suntory Hall in Tokyo; and the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. He has performed throughout the United States and internationally, earning recognition for the expressive immediacy and refinement of his artistry.
Jaffe made his orchestral debut at age eleven, performing a concerto written for him by Brazilian composer Radames Gnattali. Selected for the Select Debut Series, he made his New York City recital debut at Town Hall. A prizewinner of numerous competitions, he earned first prize at the Villa-Lobos International Cello Competition and the East and West Young Artists Competition, which awarded him a solo recital at Carnegie Recital Hall. He has also been invited to perform as soloist with several symphony orchestras, including those in New London, Connecticut; Poughkeepsie, New York; and Pasadena, California. In addition, Jaffe was a semifinalist in major international competitions such as the Tchaikovsky International Competition, the Gaspar Cassado International Cello Competition, the Naumburg Competition, the Maria Canals International Competition, and the Vina del Mar International Music Competition. He was named Musical America's Young Artist of 1987.
An active and dedicated educator, Jaffe has conducted master classes worldwide and served on the faculties of Florida International University, University of Florida, Florida Atlantic University and Palm Beach Atlantic University. He was Dean of the Conservatory of Music at Lynn University for four years, where he founded the Preparatory Division, and he established the string program at Saint Andrew's School in Boca Raton, Florida. He has served as Resident Conductor of the Florida Youth Orchestra since 1994 and currently serves as their Music Director. He performs regularly at the Sunflower and Buzzards Bay Music Festivals. Jaffe also runs a private cello studio.
Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Jaffe began studying the cello at age seven and gave his first public performance at eleven. His early teachers included Ibere Gomes Grosso, Alberto Jaffe, Antonio Guerra Vicente, and Juarez Johnson. At fifteen, he was invited by legendary pedagogue Aldo Parisot to study in the United States, subsequently earning his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from Yale University under Parisot's guidance. He has participated in master classes and workshops with many of the world's leading cellists, including Yo-Yo Ma, Lynn Harrell, Paul Tortelier, members of the Tokyo String Quartet, Janos Starker, Nathaniel Rosen, and Ralph Kirshbaum.