Nella Hunkins   Cellist
Brief biography Teaching, workshops    and masterclasses Concert schedule Solo cello The Bochmann Trio The Bach Duo The Rose Duet The Montpellier Duo The Tivoli Trio		“Then came Shostakovich’s only Cello Sonata (Op.40) in a passionate reading by SSO principal cellist Nella Hunkins  and pianist Low Shao Ying. Hunkins dedicated her performance of the elegiac slow movement to her Russian grandparents, with its heart- on-sleeve Slavic melancholy laid bare. Elsewhere, the duo revelled in the Russian’s curious blend of easy lyricism and spiky dissonance. The see-sawing and obstinate rhythms of the Scherzo immediately brought to mind a performance of this movement in the very same venue by a ‘late great’ – Mstislav Rostropovich in 1992. That this evening’s performance could stand shoulder to shoulder speaks volumes; Hunkins’ generous artistry will be missed on her departure from the SSO.” Straits Times, Singapore 11/2/2009