Julian Lloyd Webber to perform in Athlone

Cellist Julian Lloyd Webber's 60th birthday gala at London's Royal Festival Hall earlier this year was, in his words, a celebration of the "beautiful, temperamental instrument" that dominates his life. Now Julian brings the instrument - the Barjansky Stradivarius cello, dated 1690 - which famously gets its own seat on airplanes - on his Irish tour. "Travels With My Cello: An Evening with Julian Lloyd Webber comes to the Dean Crowe Theatre, on Thursday, November 10. Julian, who will be accompanied by pianist Pam Chowhan, will perform favourite classics by Bach, Faure, Saint Saens and Debussy, as well as pieces by his father William and brother Andrew. During the show Julian will also reminisce on his many collaborations with musicians as diverse as Yehudi Menuhin, Joaquin Rodrigo, jazz greats Cleo Laine and Stephane Grappelli, as well as Elton John and, of course, his brother Andrew in this entertaining and informative show. The show will also feature a Q&A session with the audience where Julian will take questions and also read a few short extracts from his book, "Travels With My Cello." Julian's cello, the Barjansky Stradivarius, is named after Russian cellist Alexandre Barjansky, who played the instrument during the first half of the twentieth century and who premiered works such as the cello concerto by Frederick Delius on the instrument. Julian has been playing the Barjansky Stradivarius since 1983. The Irish tour begins at the Royal Theatre, Castlebar on Wednesday, November 2, and also includes Galway, Navan, Waterford, Mullingar, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Blanchardstown and Bray. For more details on Julian Lloyd Webber or the tour visit www.julianlloydwebber.com.