As part of an online auction to benefit musicians affected by COVID-19, Tarisio is offering music-lovers the chance to bid on a private virtual recital from the French cellist

Gautier Capucon

Gautier Capuçon

The international auction house Tarisio, online platform Classeek and cellist Gautier Capuçon are joining forces on 1 May to give quarantined music-lovers around the world the chance to bid on a private virtual recital by the French cellist.

This opportunity forms part of GiveBack, an online auction to benefit musicians affected by COVID-19.

The winning bidder and invited guests will be treated to Capuçon’s private performance of a personally tailored programme, followed by a Q&A session and the chance to socialize, livestreamed in superior sound and video by Classeek’s Virtual Showroom.

All proceeds, including the cellist’s fee, will be donated to support artists affected by the crisis.

Capuçon says: ‘COVID-19 has deeply affected our community of artists. I am humbled to participate in this effort to raise funds for my fellow musicians and am delighted to collaborate again with my friends at Tarisio for a philanthropic cause and with Classeek, an organization for which I am a proud ambassador.’

Jason Price, Tarisio’s Founder and Expert, commented: ‘As we navigate these unprecedented times, supporting our communities is essential. Musicians around the world are our community, our clients and most importantly, our friends. Orchestras have been furloughed, contracts have been canceled, freelancers are left without work. We have decided to dedicate our May auction as a special benefit sale, and the total commissions earned will be donated to musicians in need. Any string player, anywhere in the world, is welcome to apply.

‘We expect to distribute approximately $100,000 in grants, which will be awarded on a lottery basis. The auction features ten instruments and ends on May 1. We are delighted to partner with Classeek and Capuçon, who was previously a judge in our Young Artists Grants program. Their generosity will allow the GiveBack initiative to reach even more deserving musicians.’