János Starker

János Starker, born in Budapest in 1924, was a Hungarian-American cellist whose name is synonymous with virtuosity and expressive depth in the world of classical music. Surviving the horrors of a Nazi labor camp during World War II, Starker's resilience and talent shone through, leading him to immigrate to the United States in 1948. His career flourished as he served as the principal cellist for prestigious ensembles such as the Dallas Symphony and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Starker's discography is vast and celebrated, with his recordings of the Bach Cello Suites standing out as particularly notable. Beyond his solo work, Starker was a dedicated educator, holding the title of Distinguished Professor at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music from 1958 until his passing in 2013. His legacy endures not just through his music but also through the countless students he inspired and mentored, cementing his status as one of the greatest cellists of all time.