Experience exceptional musicians and their masterful performances on STAGE+. Gain exclusive access to the world’s most celebrated performers and unforgettable classical concerts – anytime, anywhere, with our subscription. Immerse yourself in the artistry of renowned talents and be captivated by their interpretations and virtuosity.
The world of classical music thrives on the brilliance of extraordinary individuals whose passion and talent elevate their art to unparalleled levels. These accomplished musicians perform as featured artists, either solo or accompanied by orchestras, delivering unforgettable interpretations.
From violinists and pianists to cellists and beyond, each performer offers a unique style that transforms the music into an emotive experience. They don’t just play their instruments with unmatched skill; they breathe life into the compositions, weaving emotional depth and technical precision into every note.
Whether on the grand stage of a concert hall or within the intimacy of chamber music settings, these artists command attention and inspire awe, becoming the heart of the performance.
Classical music wouldn’t be the same without its incredible soloists. From legendary figures of the past to today’s most exciting artists, these musicians have left their mark with unmatched talent and dedication. Musicians like Avi Avital, who has redefined the mandolin’s place in classical music, and Raphaël Feuillâtre, a guitarist admired for his skill and artistry, bring fresh energy and new perspectives, captivating audiences worldwide.
In the next section, we’ll introduce some of the most iconic soloists, from virtuoso violinists and brilliant pianists to vocalists and other instrumental masters, showcasing the diversity of talent in classical music.
Want to explore the world of these remarkable soloists? With a STAGE+ subscription, you get access to exclusive content, including concerts, interviews, and livestreams from the world’s finest classical artists. Subscribe now and enjoy classical music anytime, anywhere!
The violin is one of the central instruments of classical music and has produced many legendary soloists over the centuries. Violinists such as Niccolò Paganini and Hilary Hahn have shaped the instrument in spectacular ways.
Today, artists like Lisa Batiashvili, known for her expressive and passionate playing, and Renaud Capuçon, whose dynamic performances captivate audiences worldwide, continue to elevate the art of violin playing. Daniel Hope stands out for his innovative approach, blending technical brilliance with deep emotional resonance in both classical and contemporary works. Anne-Sophie Mutter, a true icon of violin performance, has also made an indelible mark on the classical music world. Known for her breathtaking technique and emotional depth, she continues to inspire audiences with her exceptional interpretations, both in solo recitals and as part of chamber ensembles.
Pianists have had an enormous influence on the development of Western music. From the composer Ludwig van Beethoven to Lang Lang, pianists have expanded the piano's repertoire and profoundly shaped the instrument's expressive power.
Today, renowned pianists such as Julius Asal, Sergei Babayan, and Rafał Blechacz continue to influence the piano world with their technical brilliance and emotional depth. Jan Lisiecki and Nobuyuki Tsujii also stand out for their exceptional artistry and innovative interpretations, captivating audiences across the globe. Additionally, Hélène Grimaud, known for her deeply expressive performances, brings a unique passion to the stage that resonates with audiences worldwide. Renowned for his artistry and virtuosity, Krystian Zimerman stands as one of the leading pianists of his generation. His performances are noted for their depth, technical precision, and emotive power, making him a standout in both solo recitals and collaborative performances with orchestras. Rising stars like Bruce Liu and Marie Awadis are gaining recognition for their impressive technique and expressive performances.
Known for its rich and resonant sound, the cello has produced some of the most famous soloists in classical music. Cellists such as Mstislav Rostropovich, Pierre Fournier, and Mischa Maisky have shaped the cello’s legacy through breathtaking solo performances and chamber music collaborations. Kian Soltani, with his exceptional musicality and technical prowess, has become one of the most exciting young cellists today, performing both classic works and contemporary pieces with great depth and passion.
The horn is one of the most versatile brass instruments, known for its wide range and expressive sound. While the modern horn is commonly used in most orchestral and solo works, the natural horn – which lacks valves – has a distinctive timbre and requires special techniques like hand-stopping to play.
Hermann Baumann is a leading figure in the revival of the natural horn. His mastery of both the natural and modern horn has brought attention to its unique sound, and he has been instrumental in performing and recording works specifically written for the natural horn.
Although the saxophone is a relatively young instrument in classical music, it has quickly secured its place thanks to soloists like Asya Fateyeva. Fateyeva, one of today’s leading saxophonists, has helped to push the boundaries of the instrument's classical repertoire. Through her performances, she has demonstrated the saxophone's versatility, proving that it can combine technical skill with deep expression and further cementing its place in the world of classical music.
Trumpet soloists like Gábor Tarkövi, Selina Ott, and Hannes Läubin are helping shape the modern trumpet scene in classical music. Known for its bold, brilliant sound, the trumpet has long played a central role in both orchestral and solo works. Today’s trumpet soloists explore the instrument’s full range, from powerful fanfares to lyrical passages, showcasing its versatility and expressiveness. Through their technical mastery, they continue to prove the trumpet’s place as both a commanding and deeply expressive voice in classical music.
The recorder, once regarded as a simple instrument, has gained renewed recognition in classical music, with soloists like Hans-Martin Linde, Sebastian Kelber, and Elisabeth von Magnus playing an important role in expanding its repertoire. With its clear, bright tone, the recorder has become a key instrument in Baroque music and continues to be featured in contemporary works.
Often considered the "forgotten" of the string instruments, the viola has gained much recognition in recent decades through soloists such as Tabea Zimmermann and Yuri Bashmet. Combining the instrument's warm sound with virtuoso technique, viola soloists have greatly expanded the viola's repertoire, proving that it can be as expressive and emotional as the violin or cello.
The double bass, one of the deepest instruments in classical music, has been revolutionised by soloists such as Jochen Carls and Okhee Lee, who have shown that the bass is not just a supporting instrument, but a solo instrument of great importance. Combining virtuosity with a deep, resonant sound, they enrich orchestras and captivate audiences as soloists.
Vocal soloists are the stars who bring opera and concert stages to life with their incredible talent and emotional depth. Singers like Anna Netrebko, Jonas Kaufmann, and Renée Fleming have enchanted audiences worldwide with their stunning voices, flawless technique, and dramatic presence. Whether in opera or concert, they don’t just sing – they live the music, making every performance unforgettable.
The versatility of vocal artists like Cecilia Bartoli and José Carreras highlights just how wide-ranging the human voice can be, from the most delicate phrasing to the most powerful moments. Alongside Luciano Pavarotti and Plácido Domingo, Carreras formed the legendary “Three Tenors”, a group that captivated audiences with their unmatched vocal power and camaraderie, forever marking an iconic moment in opera history.
Today’s vocal scene also includes extraordinary talents like Elīna Garanča, whose rich mezzo-soprano voice resonates with depth and clarity, Matthias Goerne, a master of lieder and opera, and Emily D'Angelo, whose powerful performances continue to garner widespread acclaim. Rolando Villazón, with his passionate and charismatic tenor, and rising star Nadine Sierra, known for her emotive interpretations, further demonstrate the boundless expressivity of the human voice.
Classical music is full of amazing soloists who have made a huge impact on the history of music. Lots of musicians are also part of big orchestras or soloist groups, where they can show off their skills in a collective setting.
Enjoy both solo performances and spectacular ensemble shows with STAGE+. Subscribe to STAGE+ and experience classical music at the highest level!
Soloists from renowned orchestras are often regular members of prestigious ensembles but they also perform as soloists in special concerts or programmes. They often play with the orchestra, but they really stand out as exceptional solo musicians. Their unique position within the ensemble is underscored by their remarkable technique and artistry. These artists are highly respected in the classical music world and bring their individual mastery to each performance.
Daniel Barenboim, a master conductor and pianist, exemplifies this dual role. As a prominent conductor of the Staatskapelle Berlin and West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, he also shines in chamber music, where his interpretations of works for piano duet or solo performance reveal his deep musical insight. Likewise, Rudolf Buchbinder, known for his virtuosity in both orchestral and solo performances, regularly performs as a soloist while also engaging in intimate chamber music settings, showcasing the piano’s role in diverse musical formations.
Some renowned soloists from orchestras include:
Soloists from the Berlin Philharmonic, such as Andreas Ottensamer (clarinet) and Albrecht Mayer (oboe).
Soloists from the Vienna Philharmonic, including Franz Bartolomey (cello) and Rainer Honeck (violin).
Soloists in ensembles or soloist groups are different from soloists in orchestras. In an ensemble, each musician is an individual, but they also work together as a collective unit. These groups offer a unique mix of personal excellence and collective musicality, with each member performing as a standalone artist within the larger framework. The strength of these ensembles lies in their ability to work as a group while preserving each artist's personal identity.
The importance of such soloist groups lies not only in their collective musicianship but also in the opportunity for each artist to express their individual talent. They combine the best of both worlds: shared passion for music and the artistic freedom of the soloist.
Enjoy the world of great soloists with your STAGE+ subscription! You can enjoy the masterpieces of classical music anytime, anywhere.
