When I tagged along with The Cleveland Orchestra on their tours of Europe and the Canary Islands (1999) and Vienna (2003), I noticed that certain members tended to vanish on free days. Where’d they go? "They’re mountain climbers," violinist Judy Berman explained. "They’re off finding 
something to climb."
As are Jeremy Dawson, Clare Wallace and James Rees. Cellists all, they have an abiding appreciation for elevation. No longer content with cathedral rooftops, they plan to scale the UK’s highest mountain peaks — where, inspired by the slightly daft sport of extreme ironing, they intend to unpack their instruments and play recitals.
It’s not just for the challenge, though that’s surely the principal reason. It’s to raise funds for charities. Mountain rescue teams, for example.
Further reading:
Cello players reach new heights at the BBC
Tags: cello
