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Pablo Casals

Pablo Casals – the namesake

Why choose the name “Casals Forum”?

The name “Casals Forum” pays tribute to the great cellist and humanist, Pablo Casals. The forum-style concert hall will be the hub of Kronberg Academy – an open space where ideas and views about music can be exchanged, and where different generations of musicians can inspire one another, present themselves to audiences and share their ideas with them.

Pablo Casals (1876–1973) was the embodiment of the ideal artist, who made humanity the overriding principle in everything he did and, in so doing, had a profound connection with nature. Throughout his long life, the world-famous cellist was a tireless, uncompromising, courageous champion of world peace and freedom. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1958. Catalonian by birth, Pablo Casals spent the last (almost) four decades of his life in exile, in protest against the Franco dictatorship that controlled his native country.

Tribute and obligation

Kronberg Academy was born with the first Cello Festival in October 1993 – a music-filled family reunion Kronberg of the best-known cellists from all parts of the globe. It was timed to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Pablo Casals. Kronberg Academy has developed in the spirit of the inseparability of art and humanity and will continue to be governed by that creed. Along with the highest musical values, Kronberg Academy’s artists want to pass this principle of responsibility towards people and the planet on to the next generation. The name “Casals Forum” is both a tribute and an obligation. The Casals Forum in Kronberg is to be a central location for efforts to uphold the ideal of Pablo Casals.

Marta Casals Istomin, Pablo Casals’ widow, has taken part in every festival as its patron since 1993 and supports Kronberg Academy as a member of its Artistic Council.