The first public solo performance by Natalia Gutman occurred when the cellist was only nine years old. Born in Kazan in 1942, she established a professional profile spanning global concert stages and academic institutions. Her career as a soloist and chamber musician remains deeply rooted in the traditions of the Russian classical music school.
Early Education and Training
Gutman began learning the cello at age five, receiving early instruction from her stepfather, R.E. Sapozhnikov. Her formal musical development continued at the Gnessin Music School before she moved to the Central Music School associated with the Moscow Conservatory. Following these foundational years, she entered the Moscow Conservatory and completed her postgraduate studies at the Leningrad Conservatory in 1968. During this period, she also studied under Mstislav Rostropovich, further refining her technique.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Orchestral and Soloist Performance
Her international career has involved collaborations with major ensembles, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. She has performed under the direction of prominent conductors and collaborated with soloists such as Sviatoslav Richter for recitals, including the Chopin Cello Sonata. Her discography features significant interpretations of 20th-century repertoire, such as Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto on RCA and Dvořák’s Cello Concerto under Wolfgang Sawallisch for EMI.
Chamber Music and Teaching
Beyond her performance schedule, Gutman maintains a commitment to music education as a docent and university teacher at the Moscow Conservatory. In 1990, she co-founded the Musikfest Kreuth alongside her husband, Oleg Kagan. Following Kagan's death later that year, she continued to oversee the festival as a tribute to his memory. She remains a frequent interpreter of contemporary works within her chamber music engagements.
Honours and Distinctions
Gutman has received numerous state and international recognitions for her contributions to classical music. Her awards include the People's Artist of the USSR and the Honored Artist of the RSFSR. She is a recipient of the State Prize of the Russian Federation, the Order of Honour, and the Order 'For Merit to the Fatherland' 4th class. Additionally, she has been honored by the German government with the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Fast facts
- Born: 1942, Kazan
- Primary Instrument: Cello
- Education: Moscow Conservatory, Leningrad Conservatory
- Notable Mentor: Mstislav Rostropovich
- Professional Roles: Cellist, Docent, Music Educator
- Major Awards: People's Artist of the USSR, State Prize of the Russian Federation
- Citizenship: Russia, Soviet Union
Questions readers ask
Where did Natalia Gutman receive her musical education?
She studied at the Gnessin Music School, the Central Music School, the Moscow Conservatory, and the Leningrad Conservatory.
What major recording works is she known for?
Her recorded repertoire includes Shostakovich's Cello Concerto and Dvořák's Cello Concerto.
Achievements
- Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Order of Honour
- Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- State Prize of the Russian Federation
- Instruments: cello
- Genres: classical music
.jpg)