Ivan has something special to say through his music.—Gidon Kremer

One of the most expressive musicians of the new generation, Ivan Karizna is renowned for the poetry of his interpretations and his formidable stage presence. Living legends such as András Schiff and Gidon Kremer praise his exceptional playing, with Schiff describing him as "one of the finest cellists of his generation, endowed with a rare tonal beauty."

Steeped in two musical traditions, he grew up within the Russian school before joining the Paris Conservatory at the age of 17 in the class of Jérôme Pernoo, later perfecting his craft under Frans Helmerson at the Kronberg Academy. A laureate of the Tchaikovsky, Queen Elisabeth, and Guilhermina Suggia competitions, he has distinguished himself on the international stage.

In recent seasons, he has performed as a soloist with orchestras such as the Dresden Philharmonic, Rotterdam Philharmonic, Orchestre National de Belgique, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Mariinsky Orchestra, and Radio Symphony Berlin, under the baton of Christoph Eschenbach, Juraj Valčuha, Markus Poschner, Vladimir Jurowski, Tabita Berglund, and Tarmo Peltokoski.

He has also appeared on prestigious stages such as the Concertgebouw Amsterdam and the Berlin Philharmonie, among many others. As a passionate chamber musician, he collaborates with Clara-Jumi Kang, Amihai Grosz, Renaud Capuçon, Rainer Honeck, and many others.

Ivan Karizna plays a violoncello by Bartolomeo Tassini, Venice 1750, known as the "Paul Tortelier," a generous loan by a member of the Stretton Society.