Cellist Wang Jian returns to the Esplanade Concert Hall on May 5 to perform with the SSO in Dvořák’s sublime masterpiece, Cello Concerto No. 1 in B minor, one of the most performed cello concertos in the world. Expect evocative soundscapes as Lan Shui conducts three works by French composer Claude Debussy, including Printemps and Sacred and Profane Dances.

Wang Jian began to study the cello with his father when he was four. While a student at the Shanghai Conservatoire, he was featured in the celebrated documentary film From Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China. Mr Stern's encouragement and support paved the way for him to go to the United States and in 1985 he entered the Yale School of Music under a special programme where he studied with the renowned cellist Aldo Parisot. Wang has performed with many of the world’s other leading symphony orchestras including New York Philharmonic, London Symphony, Zurich Tonhalle, NDR Hamburg, Stockholm Philharmonic, Santa Cecilia, Orchestre de Paris and NHK Symphony. He also enjoys collaborating with the Camerata Salzburg and the Mahler and Scottish Chamber Orchestras. These concerts have been with many of the greatest conductors, such as Chung, Dudamel, Dutoit, Elder, Eschenbach, Gilbert, Harding, Neeme Jarvi, Langrée, Morlot, Wigglesworth and Znaider.

"An impressive blend of charm, elegance and bravura" – The New York Times on Wang Jian