The Razumovsky Ensemble

April 4th 2006


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	.Pat Morton and David Cohen

The Razumovsky Trust is delighted to announce that it has acquired a very special cello made in 1735 by Domenico Montagnana. The instrument was previously owned and played for 20 years by the distinguished Russian cellist Boris Pergamenschikow, who died in April 2004. Now, as a result of the tremendous generosity of Patricia Morton and the Trustees of the Carlyle Trust, a loan of €1.1m has been made to the Razumovsky Trust to enable the acquisition. The official papers were signed at the premises of J.A. Beare & Co. on 4 April 2006.

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The Razumovsky Trust has entered into a long-term user agreement with David Cohen - Principal Cellist of the Philharmonia Orchestra. Oleg Kogan, founder and Artistic Director of the Razumovsky, helped to select the Montagnana from several fine historic cellos in spring 2005. Initially, David found it difficult to extract the best sound from this instrument, but after playing it for a couple of weeks he developed a technique tailored specially to it: he and the cello gelled dramatically. There was no turning back.

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At the time, it was not possible to raise the funds to buy the Montagnana. David had to return it just before his solo recital at the Wigmore Hall, a heartbreaking disappointment. Such incidents represent a huge emotional trauma for gifted musicians, who develop tremendous dependence upon the instruments they play. The Razumovsky Trust has helped to keep the Cello in the United Kingdom, and give this exceptional young musician security of partnership with an instrument that matches his artistry to perfection, ensuring that the pair will be delighting audiences for years to come.