Egor Antonenko, Principal Cello
Dan and Betsy Ferguson Chair
Egor Antonenko has gained global acclaim as an esteemed soloist, chamber musician and orchestral performer. He debuted as a soloist at 8 years old with the Kaliningrad Chamber Orchestra, and his musical journey led him since to collaborate with renowned Eastern European ensembles, including the Moscow and Ryazan chamber orchestras, as well as the Petrozavodsk, Yaroslavi and Volgograd symphonies.
In the United States, he made his orchestral solo debut presenting masterpieces such as Dvořák’s Cello Concerto and Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations. Egor's performances were also showcased on National Public Radio (NPR) through Robert Sherman’s McGraw-Hill Young Artist broadcast on WQXR radio station in New York City.
Egor has performed on prestigious stages worldwide, including Moscow’s Great Hall, Sanders Theatre at Harvard University, Boston’s Symphony Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall and more. He has performed as a soloist and an orchestral musician under the baton of notable maestros like Marius Stravinsky, Leon Botstein, Benjamin Zander, Nathalie Stutzmann and others.
Beyond his musical pursuits, Egor is a dedicated humanitarian, extending the power of music to diverse communities through outreach concerts and workshops. His efforts have earned him recognition, including the prestigious Cora Foundation Grant bestowed by the Central New York Arts Council presented by New York Senator Rachel May.
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The facts:
I am from Kaliningrad, Russia.
What are you most excited for as you begin your tenure with Artis—Naples?
I have a one-year position with Artis—Naples, so I’m simply thrilled to have the chance to work on such a wide range of repertoire with all the wonderful musicians this season.
What is one fun fact about you?
I’ve traveled to over 50 countries!
What inspired you to become a musician?
One of the very first music CDs I had as a child was recording of the Elgar Cello Concerto performed by Jacqueline du Pré with the London Symphony Orchestra. Ever since, large works for cello and orchestra were a constant source of inspiration for me.
What’s challenging about playing your instrument?
There are so many challenges that come with playing the cello. However, traveling with it is one thing that has never gotten easier!
What are your favorite compositions?
For several years now I have had an obsession with Bach’s Goldberg Variations. Such a simple yet complex, profound and pure work of art.
What have you been listening to recently?
I have dedicated the last several weeks to preparing and listening to all the music for the upcoming season, in particular to works by Schoenberg.
Are there other musicians in your immediate family?
I am the only musician in the family. Regardless, classical music has always played a huge role in all of our lives, and I really believe their love for it is a huge part of why I was able to pursue music for a career.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I really enjoy comedy. Being able to laugh at certain life situations and treat it with humor has been a really great way of facing the challenges, and often stress, that comes with being a musician.