Mstislav Rostropovich

Mstislav Rostropovich (born March 27, 1927) is a Russian cellist and conductor, and is considered to be one of the greatest living cellists. Like many other Russians he opposed the communist regime, and has spent much of his life in western countries. He is married to the soprano Galina Vishnyevskaya[?].

Rostropovich provided inspiration for many composers, including Shostakovich and Britten, and he is particularly associated with Shostakovich's first Cello Concerto, and Britten's Cello Symphony.