Julian Lloyd Webber

Julian Lloyd Webber is one of the leading musicians of our time. As a solo cellist, he played with the world’s greatest orchestras in the world’s most famous concert halls and recorded with musical legends including Yehudi Menuhin, Georg Solti, Stephane Grappelli and Elton John. His recording of Elgar’s Cello Concerto won the Classical Brit Award in 1978, and his album Variations won a gold disc within five weeks of its release. In 2008, Julian founded the UK government’s In Harmony programme, which facilitates access to music for children from less-privileged backgrounds. Julian was the only classical musician chosen to play at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

In 2014, a neck injury reduced the power of his bowing arm, forcing his retirement as a cellist. The following year, he was appointed principal of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, a role which he held for five years. He continues to support young musicians through regular television and radio programmes on rising classical stars.

Julian is a lifelong Leyton Orient supporter, and he was the London Underground’s first official busker.