Dimitry Markevitch (1923-2002) was born in Switzerland to a family of prominent Russian musicians.  He started the cello at age 6 with Maurice Eisenberg in Paris at the Ecole Normale de Paris, and at age 7, he became Gregor Piatigorsky’s first and only student; his theory teacher was Nadia Boulanger.  After graduating at 14, Markevitch returned to studies with Piatigorsky, now in the United States, where he settled and became a citizen.  Along with extensive recital and ensemble performing, Markevitch accepted Leonard Bernstein’s invitation to join the N.Y. Philhartmonic, wherer he played from 1958 through 1963, the only musician to join that orchestra without an audition.

Following his Philharmonic years, Markevitch flourished both in the U.S. and in Europe. He pioneered cello performance practice, with unprecedented concerts including the first performance of the complete six Bach suites, presented in Carnegie Hall in 1964, and other complete unaccompanied recitals, as well as pioneering modern use of the Baroque cello.

Markevitch’s tireless research led to countless articles on cello repertory, collections of historical manuscripts, and a personal library of over 3000 cello scores including about 100 editions of the Bach suites. His library is now at the Library of the Geneva Conservatory in Switzerland. 

Dimitry Markevitch was responsible for many transcriptions, editions, and first recording of music from the Baroque era through contemporary music, including editions of previously unknown cerllo music by Beethoven.