Cellist Richard Slavich is widely recognized for his work both as teacher and performer. A member of the string department at the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music since 1977, he directs the cello and chamber music programs. He has presented cello master-classes nationally and internationally, in locales from Omaha and Amarillo to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa in History from Stanford University, he earned his music degrees from the prestigious Indiana University School of Music, which awarded him the accolade "Graduate with Highest Distinction." His teachers include Fritz Magg, Janos Starker, Frank Miller, Menahem Pressler, and William Primrose.

Mr. Slavich's performance experience is rich and varied. He has made several national recital tours, and has performed in settings ranging from Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center and Chicago's Orchestra Hall to elementary schools in rural South Carolina and settlement houses in the Chicago ghetto. In 1988 he won the United States Information Agency's "Artistic Ambassador" competition and presented 5 weeks of concerts and radio broadcasts throughout Asia. As cello soloist, Mr. Slavich has appeared with many orchestras, including the Denver Symphony, Denver Chamber, and Colorado Philharmonic Orchestras. Mr. Slavich began his professional career with a three-year engagement as solo cellist of the Nuremberg (Germany) Symphony Orchestra.

Mr. Slavich's repertoire reflects a lively and inquisitive spirit: works for solo cello range from the majestic Bach suites to such exciting contemporary pieces as Ned Rorem's After Reading Shakespeare and Michael Colgrass's portrait of an American Indian Wolf. His sonata and concerto offerings include both mainstream (Dvorak concerto, the Beethoven sonatas) and less often encountered works (Kabalevsky concerto, Kurt Weill sonata). His CD An American Cellobration is available at all Tower Record stores on the Crystal Records label (CD639).

Mr. Slavich has been the recipient of much critical acclaim:

"Slavich is an elegant performer, projecting the music with fine tone and nimble finger work, no matter how quickly they must flutter over the strings. He achieved a deeply satisfying account of (Tschaikovsky's "Rococo" Variations) as both a technical showcase and exuberant piece of music."

--Denver Post

                    "The cello tone of Richard Slavich was particularly resonant and myriad scented."

-- Amrita Bazar, Calcutta, India

                    "His is a supple technique, equal to all demands of skill and artistry."

--Denver Post

                    "...a rich and satisfying blend of brilliance and sensitivity.."

--Bangkok Post, Thailand

"Richard Slavich led the way with Bach's Suite in G major for unaccompanied cello. To play such a work successfully the artist must have impeccable bowing and a grasp of Baroque style besides. Slavich offered a splendid performance on all counts."

--Denver Post