Prof. Werner Matzke

Vita

Anyone watching Werner Matzke at work must assume that there is nothing more beautiful in the world than playing the cello. The enthusiasm with which he devotes himself to his instrument jumps over to the audience. And when he sits in the middle of the orchestra as a continuo cellist, it becomes clear that the basso continuo can be the creative centre of a composition.

Born in 1962, Werner Matzke discovered the baroque cello while still a student. He joined Concerto Köln as a solo cellist in 1985, and has contributed significantly to its international success. In the meantime, he is one of the most distinguished continuo cellists on the scene and often works with other top orchestras, such as Concerto Vocale or the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin. Werner Matzke has also made a name for himself as a soloist. This is also documented by his numerous CD recordings, such as the world premiere of Carl Stamitz' Cello Concerto in C major, which he rediscovered himself. 

He gives concerts worldwide and gives courses at home and abroad. He devotes himself to his other passion, chamber music, with the String Trio Kontraste Köln, which he co-founded. One of the most important things for Werner Matzke - regardless of all professional preparation - is spontaneity in concert. To communicate something to the listeners and to feel how they react - that is what he loves, and that is how the audience loves him.