"...a poetic moment" (Süddeutsche Zeitung)
Highly virtuosic, passionate, and technically brilliant, Raffaella Gromes stands out as one of the most captivating cellists of her generation. Whether she's performing as a soloist with an orchestra, in a chamber duo, or with a wind quartet, her playing never fails to mesmerize audiences with its ambition and effortless mastery.
Gromes made her solo debut in Friedrich Gulda's Cello Concerto in autumn 2005, receiving acclaim from both audiences and critics. She began her musical journey at the age of 14 under the guidance of Peter Bruns at the Mendelssohn-Bartholdy University of Music in Leipzig, later studying with Wen Xinyang in Munich and Reinhard Laczko in Vienna. Her accolades include first prizes at prestigious competitions such as the Richard Strauss Competition and the Concorso Fiorindo Turin, as well as the Cello Solo Prize at the German Music Competition.
Her musical development has been enriched by masterclasses with celebrated cellists including David Geringas, Yo-Yo Ma, and Frans Helmerson, among others. Gromes has graced the stages of renowned festivals worldwide, from the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival to the Edinburgh International Festival, showcasing her remarkable talent and artistry.
In addition to her solo performances, Gromes has appeared as a guest conductor at esteemed venues like the Tonhalle Zurich and the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg. She has embarked on tours across the globe, including visits to the USA, South Korea, and China, captivating audiences with her exceptional musicianship.
Upcoming engagements include performances at prestigious venues in Munich, Zurich, Essen, and Amsterdam, as well as concerts in France and a tour of Central America in the summer of 2022. With her unparalleled skill and versatility, Raffaella Gromes continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of classical music.
Raphaela Gromes continues to make waves in the classical music world with her upcoming engagements and prolific collaborations. In the 2022/23 season, she will serve as artist-in-residence at the Staatstheater Augsburg and will debut with esteemed orchestras such as the Belgian National Orchestra and the hr-Sinfonieorchester in Brussels. Her performances have graced renowned venues including the Frauenkirche in Dresden, the Festspielhaus in Baden-Baden, and the Prinzregententheater in Munich.
Gromes' partnership with pianist Julian Riem has been lauded for its symbiotic brilliance, redefining the instrumental duet. She has also collaborated with a diverse range of chamber music partners, showcasing her versatility and artistry.
Several cello concertos have been dedicated to Gromes, highlighting her influence and impact in the contemporary classical music scene. Notably, she will premiere Igor Loboda's work "Arcobaldo della vita" with the Georgian Chamber Orchestra Ingolstadt in 2022, a testament to her ongoing commitment to championing new compositions.
As an exclusive Sony Classical artist since 2016, Gromes has garnered critical acclaim for her albums, characterized by innovative programming and exploration. Her recordings have received numerous awards, including the German Record Critics' Prize and the OPUS KLASSIK. Her latest album, "Imagination," achieved significant success, reaching number 2 on the German classical music charts.
Gromes' dedication to her craft extends beyond the stage, as she serves as a cultural ambassador for SOS Children's Villages worldwide and the José Carreras Leukemia Foundation. With her exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to musical excellence, Raphaela Gromes continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
