Marcel Johannes Kits – cellist
Genres: Classical music / Chamber music / Orchestral
Marcel Johannes Kits, born in 1995, is an exceptionally talented cellist from Estonia. He has earned acclaim by winning 1st prizes and special awards at prestigious competitions such as the Johannes Brahms competition in Austria (2016) and the George Enescu competition in Romania (2018). His triumphs also include 1st prizes at significant competitions in Estonia, such as the TV competition “Classical Stars” in 2013 and the National String Competition in 2015.
Throughout his career, Marcel has showcased his musical prowess with solo recitals and performances alongside renowned orchestras. Notable collaborations include concerts with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Andres Mustonen) in Israel, Bad Reichenhaller Philharmoniker in Germany, Pärnu City Orchestra (conducted by Jüri Alperten) in Estonia, and the Kymi Sinfonietta (conducted by Andres Mustonen) in Finland. He has also performed in China and Japan.
In the 2023 season, Marcel is set to perform with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra (conducted by Andres Mustonen) in Moscow and the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra (conducted by Paul Watkins). He will also engage in chamber music performances at the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie.
Marcel’s extensive list of performances includes collaborations with orchestras like the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen, Südwestdeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim, Israel SO Rishon LeZion, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Latvian National SO, St. Petersburg SO, Liepāja SO, Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa, Jena Philharmonic Orchestra, Euro Symphony SFK, and the SO of the Karlsruhe University of Music. He has worked under the baton of distinguished conductors such as Risto Joost, Andres Mustonen, Olari Elts, Mikk Murdvee, Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt, Arvo Volmer, Mihkel Kütson, and Jüri Alperten.
Marcel has been recognized in various international competitions, including the international cello competition in Liezen (Austria, 2004), the Karl Davydov cello competition in Kuldiga (Latvia, 2006 and 2012), and the Dombrovsky competition in Riga (Latvia, 2011). His passion for chamber music is evident in his collaboration with a piano trio alongside Robert Traksmann (violin) and Rasmus Andreas Raide (piano) since the age of nine.
Commencing his cello studies at the age of five, Marcel initially learned from Lembi Mets and Reet Mets. He continued his education with Laine Leichter at the Tallinn Music High School and later with Mart Laas. From October 2014, he studied with Prof. Francis Gouton at Trossingen University of Music in Germany, and since 2018, he has been pursuing his studies at the Berlin University of the Arts with Prof. Jens Peter Maintz.
Marcel has honed his skills in masterclasses led by prominent figures such as Prof. Maria Kliegel, Prof. László Fenyö, Prof. Wen-Sinn Yang, Prof. Jan-Erik Gustafsson, Prof. Marko Ylönen, and Prof. Jens Peter Maintz. In 2017, he participated in a masterclass with Steven Isserlis at IMS Prussia Cove. Additionally, from 2010 to 2014, Marcel received a full scholarship to attend the Astona International Summer Academy in Switzerland.
He currently plays an Italian cello crafted by Francesco Ruggeri (Cremona, 1674) and uses a bow made by Victor Fetique, both graciously on loan to him by the Deutsche Stiftung Musikleben.
Repertoire with orchestra:
- L. van Beethoven: Triple concerto op. 56
- J. Brahms: Double concerto op. 102
- A. Dvorak – Cello concerto op. 104
- A. Dvorak – Waldesruhe
- E. Elgar – Cello concerto op. 85
- G. Faure – Elegy op. 24
- J. Haydn – Cello concerto C-major, Hob.VIIb:1
- J. Haydn – Cello concerto D-major, Hob.VIIb:2
- T. Kaumann – Sequentia for violin, cello and string orchestra
- A. Pärt – Cello concerto “Pro et contra”
- A. Pärt – Fratres for cello and string orchestra
- C. Saint-Saens – Cello concerto op. 33
- D. Shostakovich – Cello concerto No. 1 op. 107
- R. Schumann – Cello concerto op. 129
- P. I. Tchaikovsky – Variations on a Rococo theme op. 33
- A. Vivaldi – Double concerto for violin and cello F-major, RV 544
MEDIA
M. Rostropovich: Humoresque – Marcel Johannes Kits & Angela Draghicescu
F. Schubert: Arpeggione sonata – Marcel Johannes Kits & Angela Draghicescu
P. I. Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme op. 33 – Marcel Johannes Kits