Jacqueline du Pre

About the Jacqueline du Pre

Jacqueline Mary du Pre OBE was a British cellist, widely regarded as one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century. Born in Oxford, she began studying at the Guildhall School of Music in the mid-1950s with William Pleeth, earning the school’s Gold Medal in 1960. Her musical development was further enhanced by advanced studies with prominent cellists such as Paul Tortelier, Pablo Casals, and Mstislav Rostropovich.

Du Pre gained early recognition, winning Britain’s most prestigious cello award at age 11 and making her official debut at Wigmore Hall at 16. She achieved international acclaim with her 1965 American debut, where she performed Elgar’s Cello Concerto, a piece closely associated with her. By the age of 20, she was performing with leading orchestras worldwide. In 1966 she married the acclaimed conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim, forming a celebrated musical couple.

Her career was cut short in her late twenties due to illness, forcing her to withdraw from public performance. Du Pre remained active as a teacher and mentor until her death at the age of 42.

Du Pre’s musical legacy is celebrated for her passionate and emotive playing and she remains an influential figure in the world of classical music.