CelloBello, founded by cellist and educator Paul Katz in 2008, begins a new chapter with Chamber Music America
Chamber Music America (CMA) has announced the acquisition of CelloBello, a nonprofit organisation designed to nurture the cello and chamber music community through free and accessible music education resources.
CelloBello was founded in 2008 by cellist Paul Katz, providing a wealth of musical instruction, inspiration and interaction for student, amateur and professional musicians.
Its website, launched in 2010, includes more than 200 hours of video instruction and more than 1,500 articles featuring artists and educators, such as violinists Arnold Steinhardt and Donald Weilerstein, and cellists Janos Starker, Alicia Weilerstein, and Yo-Yo Ma.
By acquiring CelloBello’s operations and asset library, CMA will build upon CelloBello’s foundation of pedagogical resources and, through its own infrastructure and education models, look to expand its mission beyond the virtual space.
’With programmes serving classical ensembles, concert presenters, composers, educators, and students working in the chamber music tradition, Chamber Music America is a natural home for CelloBello, and I am thrilled to help carry the organization’s mission into the future,’ said Kevin Kwan Loucks, CMA CEO.
’Through his unwavering commitment to music education, Paul [Katz] not only imparted his own philosophies through CelloBello’s vast library, but he also amassed teachings from the world’s finest artists and pedagogues.
’By entwining our organisations, CelloBello’s cello and chamber music library will be introduced to CMA’s constituency, and we can introduce CMA to CelloBello’s global following – all contributing to a stronger and more unified chamber music ecosystem.’
Katz was a founding member of the Cleveland Quartet from 1969 to 1995 and continues to teach as professor of cello at New England Conservatory as well as numerous conservatory and festival programmes worldwide.
He was also a founding member of CMA, serving as its board president from 1987 to 1993. Still active within CMA, he continues to steward its biannual Cleveland Quartet Award, which is given to exceptional young ensembles to aid in career sustainability.
CelloBello’s website will remain operable as is (at cellobello.org) for the rest of 2025 and 2026, with new content added monthly.
’I am confident that entrusting CelloBello’s future to Chamber Music America positions CelloBello for long-term impact, sustainability, and broader access for music educators and students worldwide,’ said Katz.
CMA and CelloBello have launched a $1 million capital campaign to ensure the sustainability of CelloBello’s operations. A gala to toast CelloBello’s impact on the field and benefit its next chapter will be held on 12 November 2025 in Cambridge, MA, featuring performances from Yo-Yo Ma, the Balourdet Quartet and cellists from the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
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