German-based musician and pedagogue Edward King was appointed as Professor of Violoncello at the Leopold Mozart College of Music at the University of Augsburg in 2023. Originally hailing from New Zealand, he swiftly gained recognition in Europe due to his successes at the XI Witold Lutosławski International Cello Competition and the International Cello Competition in Markneukichen. At the International Krzysztof Penderecki Cello Competition, he was honoured with a special prize by Penderecki himself for his exceptional interpretation of Penderecki's Divertimento.
In addition to his teaching activites, Edward enjoys a multifaceted performing career, collaborating with a wide array of ensembles across Europe and beyond. His repertoire is extensive, and he is particularly interested in projects that offer fresh perspectives on the classical canon. He is known for his versatility and passion for exploring various musical genres, ranging from early and contemporary, to world, chamber, electronic, improvised, rearranged, and recomposed music.
Edward is in high demand as jury and commission member: at the International Cello Competition in Markneukirchen, the Wallace International Cello Competition, and Kalaidos Musikhochschule, among others. He has regularly played as a principal cellist: in the Sydney Opera House, for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, or with 2021 Opus Klassik award-winners Ensemble Mini.
In addition to giving masterclasses internationally: in Augustów, Poland, at the University of Waikato, and the University of Augsburg, Edward has a passion for the development of young talents, and has supported various elementary educational and outreach programmes in cooperation with the Royal Overseas League (UK), the National M.K. Čiurlionis School of Art in Lithuania, and with indigenous communities in rural New Zealand.
Edward is a member of the O/Modernt Chamber Orchestra, as well as a founding member of hear now berlin, a sextet devoted to post-genre contemporary music. He also enjoys a particularly deep musical collaboration with his wife Onutė Gražinytė as part of the Gražinytė-King Duo. Edward plays on a modern German cello, made by Robert König in 2017.
Teachers: James Tennant, Prof. Julius Berger, Prof. Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt
“I very much treasure [his] talent and skills as a cellist”
- Arvo Pärt
“An outstanding cellist…at home in all musical styles from Bach to the avant-garde. He has a warm tone, an incredibly creative imagination, and a clear analytical mind”
- Prof. Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt
