Julian Lloyd Webber Celebrates 75th Birthday with
Return to Concert Platform and Release of Autobiography
Anniversary Concert In Aid Of Music Education Charity Music Masters To Be Held On His Birthday
14thApril 2026, 7.30pm, Wigmore Hall, London
On April 14th2026, world renowned cellist Julian Lloyd Webber OBE – widely regarded as one of the finest cellists of his generation – will celebrate his 75th birthday surrounded by musical friends and family at an anniversary concert at Wigmore Hall, London at which Julian will make a short, celebratory return to the concert platform, having been forced to retire from performing twelve years ago due to injury.
Lloyd Webber will celebrate his landmark birthday with those who are dear to him and those with whom he has worked closely over his long and illustrious career. Featured artists will include fellow-cellists Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Jiaxin Lloyd Webber and pianists Isata Kanneh-Mason, Rebeca Omordia and Lauren Zhang – winner of BBC Young Musician 2018 when she was a student of Lloyd Webber’s during his time as Principal of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire – who will be making her long-awaited London debut. The concert presents a wide range of repertoire from Bach, Händel and Ravel to Rachmaninov, Bruch and Nadia Boulanger, along with a rare appearance by the traditional Chinese ‘face-changing’ artist, Dr Zhao. The grand finale will see all the artists perform together with students from the Music Masters charity for a rousing conclusion to the birthday festivities.
Julian Lloyd Webber gave an emotional response when asked why he was returning, aged seventy-five, to live performance: “Last summer I was motivated by hearing my teenage daughter, Jasmine, express regret that she’d never seen me perform live. I had just finished writing my autobiography and when Wigmore Hall offered me this wonderful opportunity to stage a 75thbirthday concert I decided to undertake the challenge of getting myself ‘match fit’ so I could play a small part in the concert myself – it’s not an easy task after not playing at all for twelve years! I am also especially happy that the concert is in aid of Music Masters, a charity with a proven track record of providing access to music for all young people regardless of their backgrounds”.
Noted Victoria Robey CBE, Founder, Director of Music Masters: “We at Music Masters are deeply honoured that world-renowned cellist Julian Lloyd Webber has chosen Music Masters to benefit from this wonderful celebration of his 75th birthday. We have long admired Julian’s deep and passionate commitment to supporting, mentoring and providing a platform for the next generation of musicians. The opportunity for our young performers to make music together with Julian on this most special stage is one they will undoubtedly treasure throughout their lives.”
Julian Lloyd Webber’s autobiography will be available during his birthday week.