Jacqueline du Pré

Performing Arts, 1945–1987

Jacqueline du Pré, an Englishwoman, was one of the greatest violincellists who ever lived. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which claimed her life.

Beginnings

Jacqueline Mary du Pré was born in Oxford, England, on January 26, 1945. Her parents were Iris and Derek du Pré. She had a brother, Piers, and a sister, Hilary. Jaqueline was four years old when she heard the 'cello for the first time, on the radio. When she was five years old, Jacqueline was given a 'cello for her birthday. When she was six years old, she received lessons at the London 'Cello School; her first teacher was Miss Alison Dalrymple. When Jacqueline was seven years old, she studied at the Guildhall School of Music in London, with her “'Cello Daddy,” William Pleeth.

Fame after practice

In 1960, Jacqueline completed her music studies at Guildhall, and won its gold medal. She had her debut in 1961 at Wigmore Hall, in London. She was given her first Stradivarius 'cello by an unknown admirer. Jacqueline played the Elgar Concerto for Violoncello in E minor. She recorded the same concerto with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir John Barbirolli; it made her world famous.

In 1964, du Pré was given the 1712 Davidoff Stradivarius 'Cello, which she would play for the remainder of her life. She left the 'cello to Yo-Yo Ma when she died. In 1965, du Pré made her first appearance in the United States at Carnegie Hall, in New York.

Barenboim and company

In 1966, du Pré continued her studies with Mstislav Rostropovich at the Conservatory in Moscow. During Christmas of that year, she met Daniel Barenboim, a concert pianist. The couple married in June 1967; she had converted to Judaism for the marriage. That was the beginning of a prolific personal and professional relationship.

Du Pré's marriage to Barenboim, and friendships with musicians Itzhak Perlman, Zubin Mehta, and Pinchas Zukerman, led to the famous film by Christopher Nupen of their Schubert "Trout" Quintet.

MS

In the fall of 1973, du Pré was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She continued to teach on occasion, but her health's deterioration gained momentum. She lived for 14 years after the diagnosis — an uncommon length of time. Jacqueline du Pré died on October 19, 1987, at the age of 42, in London. Her husband was with her.

In 1974, du Pré was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Britsh Empire) by the Queen Elizabeth II of England. Along with many honorary degrees and fellowships, a rose was named after her: The Jaqueline du Pré is an ivory-colored bloom that smells like nutmeg.