Stissing Center opened its 2025 Classical Music Season on May 3 with “Cello Americana!,” a program performed by acclaimed young cellist Sterling Elliott. He was joined by pianist Sophia Zhou, the center’s director of chamber music, in a selection of works by four American composers.
The program featured music by Amy Beach, Kevin Day, William Grant Still, and George Walker, offering Elliott the opportunity to demonstrate the virtuosity that has earned him numerous awards early in his career.
Three pieces by Beach (1867–1944) began the evening. Elliott revealed the cello’s capacity for range and subtle emotion, while Zhou contributed sensitive accompaniment throughout. Day’s “Cello Sonata,” composed in 2019, followed. Elliott and Zhou delivered a performance full of bright, rhythmic energy reflective of the composer’s voice. Introducing the piece, Elliott noted that Day is just a bit older than he is—Elliott turns 26 this month.
Between works, Elliott shared background on the pieces and insights into the composers’ intent, expressing his connection to the music. He spoke about growing up in a musical family — his mother is a concert violinist — and recalled performing with her and his siblings in the Elliott Family String Quartet. Now gaining recognition as a solo artist, Elliott has appeared with major orchestras across the United States. The day after the concert, he was scheduled to fly to England for performances and workshops. He studies at the Juilliard School.
“Mother and Child,” composed by Still (1895–1978) in 1944, required close coordination between Elliott and Zhou. The brief work shifts from a lullaby to more expansive emotional territory. Elliott’s playing moved fluidly from delicate phrasing to resonant bass tones. His instrument, crafted in 1741 by Gennaro Gagliano in Naples, Italy, and on loan from the Robert F. Smith Fine String Patron Program, projected a rich tone well matched to his technique.
The program concluded with Walker’s “Sonata for Cello and Piano,” written in 1957. Elliott and Zhou closed the evening with this technically demanding and emotionally charged piece, which drives forward with intensity and lyricism. Their performance earned a standing ovation.
The next event in the Classical Music Season will take place at 3 p.m. on May 18, when the center presents “Out Into the Sun,” an opera reading featured as part of its Local Produce play reading program.