Răzvan Suma
Răzvan Suma, born in 1977 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, is one of the most acclaimed Romanian cellists, renowned for his vast repertoire and dynamic performances on international stages. The German publication Das Orchester described him as an artist with “talent, sensitivity, and intelligence” – a great musical talent and an undeniable artistic presence.
His impressive career includes over a thousand concerts and recitals performed during tours across Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Asia, in prestigious venues such as the Berlin Philharmonic, Auditorio Nacional de Madrid, Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, Kursaal in San Sebastian, and the Romanian Athenaeum. Răzvan demonstrates exceptional musical sensitivity, flawless technique, and the ability to masterfully convey the stylistic nuances of each piece.
Education and Early Years
Răzvan began studying the cello at the age of six, winning his first competition at seven. He attended the Music High School in Cluj-Napoca under the guidance of Gabriela Todor and earned his bachelor’s degree in 2000 from the Bucharest Music Academy, studying with maestro Marin Cazacu. He later pursued the “Artist Diploma” program at Longy School of Music in Cambridge, USA, under professor Terry King, and participated in masterclasses with renowned cellists such as Arto Noras, Frans Helmerson, Miklós Perényi, and Radu Aldulescu.
Awards and Collaborations
Răzvan has won major prizes at international competitions, including “Giovanni Battista Viotti” in Italy, “Markneukirchen” in Germany, and “Villa de Llanes” in Spain. He has collaborated with renowned musicians such as Maxim Vengerov, the Borromeo Quartet, Justus Frantz, Silvia Marcovici, and Misha Katz.
Projects and Recordings
His discography includes numerous recordings, notably the complete Bach Suites for Solo Cello, presented during his national tour “Do You Like Bach?” He has made special recordings for the Romanian Radio Society’s Golden Archive and participated in live broadcasts for international stations such as RAI Torino, MDR Leipzig, and Radio Berlin. Alongside Spanish pianist Iosu Okinena, he recorded the two sonatas for piano and cello by J. Brahms.
Teaching and Ensembles
An associate professor at the National University of Music in Bucharest, Răzvan is invited to teach at masterclasses organized by the SONORO Association. He is a founding member of the “Romanian Piano Trio” and the cello quartet “Cellissimo,” ensembles that promote classical music as well as innovative projects. In 2019, he founded “PlaCello,” an ensemble known for its diverse and accessible repertoire.
Instrument
Răzvan plays on a Charles Adolphe Maucotel cello, crafted in Paris in 1849, an instrument with an impressive history, having previously belonged to the celebrated French cellist Pierre Fournier.
Răzvan Suma remains a prominent artist dedicated to both performance and education, inspiring new generations of musicians through his passion and devotion to music.