Our History

The Violoncello Society of New York was formed in 1956 when the highly acclaimed cellist Mstislav Rostropovich made his New York debut and visited with the VCS Board.

Since then, it has hosted cellists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Lynn Harrell, Jean-Guihen Queyras, Philippe Muller, and Miklós Perényi.

Luminaries of the past include Gregor Piatigorsky, Jacqueline du Pré, Janos Starker, Bernard Greenhouse, and Zara Nelsova, as well as the founders of the VCS.

Past Presidents

Evangeline Benedetti (2019 - 2020)

Jeffrey Solow (2007-2017)

Zara Nelsova* (1992-2002)

Bernard Greenhouse* (1986-1992)

Joel Krosnick* (2003-2007)

Frederick Zlotkin* (2017-2019)

Bernard Greenhouse* (1956-1961)

Janos Scholz* (1962-1967)

Alan Shulman* (1967-1972)

Lillian Rehberg Goodman* (1972-1975)

Claus Adam* (1975-1983)

Stephen Kates* (1983-1986)

Remembering Joel Krosnick

We at VCS mourn the loss of Joel Krosnick, a towering figure in chamber music and an extraordinary cellist whose artistry, intellect, and spirit deeply shaped generations of musicians. He served as VCS President from 2003 to 2007.

Click the image to read tributes, stories and memories of Joel