CelloBello to Host Charity Auction and Gala

The online platform, CelloBello, will launch its inaugural charity auction this month to honor its founder Paul Katz

In conjunction with events held at the New England Conservatory of Music, the charity auction will take place between October 1 and 17, 2021.

Founded by Katz in 2010, CelloBello is an online cello-focused platform that provides free access to cello lessons, masterclasses, interviews, and live-streamed chats with renowned artist-teachers from solo, chamber music, orchestral, and teaching professions. 

Their website also includes articles, details of music occupations and competitions, repertoire and book listings, and other educational and career-related resources.

The charity auction aims to raise funds for the organization and features a range of auction items, such as rare memorabilia of celebrated cellists, concert tickets, and several virtual interactions. Full item listings can be found here.

Those who have donated to the auction include CelloBello’s honorary president Yo-Yo Ma, Paul Katz, Natasha Brofsky, Hans Jensen, the Juilliard Quartet, and members of the Boston and Chicago Symphony Orchestras. 

On the last day of the auction, an annual gala event will be held honoring cellist and pedagogue Paul Katz and his 80th birthday. 

The gala concert will bring together performers who have been inspired, taught, or coached by Katz throughout his career. Proceeds from the event will go towards the financial support of CelloBello’s programs and resources.

CelloBello’s 2021 Gala Concert will be held in person at Boston’s New England Conservatory and online — where the live-stream can be viewed for up to 72 hours afterward.

Performers at the gala will include Ian Swensen, Catherine Cho, Molly Carr, Edward Gazouleas, Astrid Schween, Natasha Brofsky, Jeffrey Zeigler, Pei-Shan Lee, and the Balourdet, Harlem, and Borromeo string quartets, among others.

The event will be hosted by Josh Aronson, Academy Award-nominated film director of “Talent Has Hunger,” a documentary that follows Katz’s teaching career.

To purchase in-person or virtual gala tickets, click here.

To participate in the charity auction, click here.