Born in Johannesburg into a family of professional musicians, cellist Philip De Groote had his first cello lessons at the age of six. He had already won many prizes in his early years before entering the Royal College of Music in London where, with a full scholarship, he studied with Eileen Croxford. Further studies with William Pleeth and Janos Starker were followed by two appearances on BBC2 TV with Paul Tortelier.
In 1971, Mr. De Groote was awarded the Tenuto Prize from Belgian Radio/TV and later that year co-founded the Chilingirian Quartet, with whom he remains to this date. Although his musical first love is the string quartet, he has also performed as a soloist and recitalist throughout Europe, and in the USA, Russia, and his native South Africa.
A professor at the Royal College of Music for several years, he has also taught at the University of Cape Town, and as guest professor at the Royal Conservatoire in Brussels.
Philip's nephew Rudi is also a cellist, currently principal cello of the orchestra of Scottish Opera, whilst on trial for the principal job with the RSNO. |
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