Inbal Megiddo
cello
Internationally acclaimed cellist Inbal Megiddo has established herself as one of the leading cellists of her generation, performing as soloist in the world's most prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Berlin Philharmonie, and Staatsoper Berlin. Her concerto performances with leading orchestras such as the Berlin Symphony have earned widespread critical acclaim, with Maestro Zubin Mehta praising her as "an extremely talented, very musical musician."
Ms. Megiddo's artistry has garnered international recognition through performances with premier orchestras across four continents, including the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, Bournemouth Symphony, Ukraine Philharmonic, Lithuanian Philharmonic, and Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. She has collaborated with world-renowned conductors Daniel Barenboim, Shlomo Mintz, Lior Shambadal, and Roman Kaufman, cementing her reputation on the international stage.
An advocate for contemporary repertoire, Ms. Megiddo has premiered numerous works by leading composers and given Australasian premieres of concertos by Weinberg, Villa-Lobos, and Barber, with critics describing her performances as "superb...virtuosic, brilliant and powerful." Her commitment to expanding the cello repertoire includes world premieres and collaborations with distinguished composers including Jan Radzynski, Laurence Sherr, Lori Laitman, and John Psathas.
Ms. Megiddo's recordings span multiple labels, with releases for Atoll, Naxos, Navona, Delos, and Rattle Records receiving critical acclaim and major international honors. Her Navona Records album earned a Gold Medal at the Global Music Awards, while her recording with the Yale Cellos received a Grammy nomination. Her Beethoven complete works for cello and piano garnered particular praise, while her recordings of Debussy with the Te Kōkī Trio earned a nomination for Best Classical Album at the Aotearoa Music Awards. Upcoming releases include her highly anticipated complete Bach cello suites, the Schumann Concerto, and an album featuring "Forbidden Composers" - works banned by the Nazis.
Ms. Megiddo's musical journey began at age two, leading to study at Yale University under renowned cellist Aldo Parisot. Her chamber music collaborations span internationally celebrated artists including members of the Tokyo String Quartet, Erick Friedman, Peter Oundjian, and Boris Berman.
As a sought-after pedagogue, Ms. Megiddo serves as Associate Professor at the New Zealand School of Music and has held faculty positions at Oberlin Conservatory and Yale University. She is founder and director of the Cellophonia International Festival, serves as Master Teacher for iClassical Academy's global platform and as juror in competitions, and has presented masterclasses at leading institutions across North America, Europe, Israel, and Australasia.
The Stradivari Society's award of a Stradivarius cello for her use recognised her exceptional artistry and international standing. Ms. Megiddo has performed on this historic instrument alongside her Fiorini cello.