Young Concert Artists Winner: Jonathan Swensen, cello

Danish-American cellist Jonathan Swensen first asked to play the cello at the age of six after watching his father Joseph Swensen conduct the Elgar Cello Concerto. After a year of convincing his parents that he would practice the instrument if given lessons, he began his studies. In 2017, he made his concerto debut performing none other than the Elgar, with his father conducting the Porto National Symphony Orchestra in Portugal. Since that debut, he has featured as soloist with orchestras in Spain, the United States, Denmark, and Poland. Among many other competition victories, Swensen won First Prize and the Krannert Center Prize in the 2018 Young Concert Artists International Auditions. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo.

This performance will last approximately one hour and 30 minutes including a 20-minute intermission.

Salon-style performances offer a close connection between artists and guests, as audience members sit in six rows of seats on stage with the performer. Light refreshments are served before and after the performance. Balcony tickets (without refreshments) are also available.