Cellist Weilerstein performs 'savage' concerto with Cleveland Orchestra

Alisa Weilerstein, a Cleveland native, takes on Unsuk Chin's challenging Cello Concerto this weekend.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Cellist Alisa Weilerstein, a Cleveland native, is performing Unsuk Chin's Cello Concerto with the Cleveland Orchestra this weekend. Weilerstein describes the four-movement concerto from 2009 as "supernatural," "sinister," and "savage," and believes it will emerge as one of the most important concertos of the 21st century. The performance will also include works by Richard Strauss.

Why it matters

Weilerstein, a MacArthur Fellowship 'Genius' Grant recipient, is uniquely qualified to perform this challenging and groundbreaking concerto, having performed it with other orchestras. Her deep roots in Northeast Ohio, including her time studying with Cleveland Orchestra cellist Richard Weiss, add a personal connection to the performance.

The details

Weilerstein has been preparing for the concerto for months, practicing it at one-third or half tempo to master the technical aspects. She also aims to be ready emotionally and psychologically, as the piece has a strong strain of grief throughout. Weilerstein will be supported by the Cleveland Orchestra, which she says is capable of the "colors" and virtuosity required to do justice to the "savage" concerto.

  • Weilerstein will perform the Chin concerto with the San Diego Symphony and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra before her performances with the Cleveland Orchestra.
  • The Cleveland Orchestra performances will take place on February 26-28, 2026.

The players

Alisa Weilerstein

A cellist and Cleveland native who is performing Unsuk Chin's Cello Concerto with the Cleveland Orchestra. Weilerstein is a MacArthur Fellowship 'Genius' Grant recipient and has performed the challenging concerto with other orchestras.

Unsuk Chin

A composer whose Cello Concerto from 2009 is described by Weilerstein as "supernatural," "sinister," and "savage." Weilerstein believes the concerto will emerge as one of the most important of the 21st century.

Richard Weiss

Weilerstein's former teacher at the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Cleveland Orchestra's first assistant principal cellist. Weiss worked with Weilerstein for seven crucial years, including her life-changing debut with the Cleveland Orchestra in 1995 at age 13.

Alain Altinoglu

The French conductor who will join Weilerstein and the Cleveland Orchestra for the performances, which will also include works by Richard Strauss.

Cleveland Orchestra

The orchestra that will be supporting Weilerstein in her performance of Unsuk Chin's challenging Cello Concerto. Weilerstein says the orchestra is capable of the "colors" and virtuosity required for the piece.

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What they’re saying

“There's never a chance to rest. It instantly grabs you by the throat.”

— Alisa Weilerstein, Cellist (cleveland.com)

What’s next

Weilerstein will perform the Chin concerto with the San Diego Symphony and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra before her performances with the Cleveland Orchestra on February 26-28, 2026.

The takeaway

Alisa Weilerstein's performance of Unsuk Chin's challenging and groundbreaking Cello Concerto with the Cleveland Orchestra showcases her technical mastery and emotional depth as a cellist, as well as the orchestra's ability to bring this unique and 'savage' work to life. Weilerstein's personal connection to Cleveland adds an extra layer of significance to the performance.