Werner Matzke
Cello
When watching Werner Matzke at work, one must assume that there is nothing more beautiful in the world than playing the cello. The enthusiasm with which he dedicates himself to his instrument captivates the audience. And when he sits as a continuo cellist in the ensemble, it becomes clear that the basso continuo can be the central shaping force of a composition.
Born in 1962, Werner Matzke discovered the Baroque cello during his studies. From its foundation in 1985 until 2018, he was the principal cellist of Concerto Köln, to whose international success he significantly contributed, often taking on the role of rehearsal director.
He is one of the most distinguished continuo cellists in the scene, and since 2011, he has been the principal cellist of the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra under Ton Koopman, and since its founding in 2012, he has held the same position with the Dresden Festival Orchestra.
In addition, Werner Matzke has made a name for himself as a soloist, as evidenced by his numerous CD recordings. He performs concerts worldwide and conducts masterclasses and workshops both domestically and internationally.
Since 2010, he has been leading the Baroque cello class at the Trossingen University of Music, where he was appointed as a professor in 2018.
Since 2019, he has been leading the prestigious Institute for Early Music at the same institution.
He pursues his other passion, chamber music, among other things, with the Schuppanzigh Quartet.
For Werner Matzke, one of the most important things – regardless of all professional preparation – is spontaneity in the concert. Communicating something to the audience and feeling their reactions – that’s what he loves, and that’s how the audience loves him.