The Man Behind the Cello

Just before the commencement of his recent Melbourne tour I had the opportunity to film an exclusive interview with world renowned Cellist, Columbian born Santiago Cañón Valencia  at the Tolarno Hotel in St Kilda. The next day I saw him perform at the Melbourne Recital Centre.

Under any circumstances this young man is a standout.  At 19 years old he is already a veteran of the world stage, playing with some of the best Symphony Orchestras from across the globe from the age of 6!.

With an impressive array of accolades Santiago is a well polished, disciplined musician who was born into a gifted musical family all of whom play classical and his teachers were carefully chosen.  But does anyone really know the source of this kind of musical presence?

I’ve seen many of the worlds best performers do their thing. Santiago is something else altogether.

He plays the Cello as a Maestro. When he is playing, one’s eyes are firmly fixed on him and his ring clad fingers. His playing is ethereal, hypnotic and transportive. His physical appearance conjures gothic images of past worlds. If I had to draw on a contemporary romantic parallel to describe Santiago’s appearance in the flesh, who springs to mind are the beloved characters from Ann Rice’s sizzling novel Interview with a Vampire. But of course, that is only fantasy and Santiago is very human, very gracious, and a very talented young virtuoso.

Lady Marigold Southey, champion of the arts in association with Skyhigh Promotions delivered Santiago to our shores to give us a taste of what is to come from this unique and enigmatic musician.

My lasting impression is Santiago Cañón Valencia is classical music’s equivalent to a Rock God.

The release of our forthcoming filmed interview with Santiago Canon Valencia by gifted Melbourne pianist 15 year old Spencer Harris titled ‘The Man Behind the Cello’ is coming soon so stay posted…

Melbourne pianist Spencer Harris and Santiago Canon Valencia at Tolarno Hotel St Kilda Melbourne. Image by Megagraphics Photography
Melbourne pianist Spencer Harris and Santiago Canon Valencia at Tolarno Hotel St Kilda Melbourne. Image by Megagraphics Photography