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A GoFundMe page has been launched by pianist Robin Green to commemorate the life and legacy of Canadian cellist Christian Elliott, who died in April 2025 aged 40.
As well as being a member of the Zehetmair Quartet, Phoenix Piano Trio, and former principal cello of the Irish Chamber Orchestra, Elliott was also a composer and an arranger. The fundraiser will go towards the Christian Elliott Legacy Project, which will comprise a posthumous recording of a collection of his original compositions and arrangements.
Green writes on the GoFundMe page: ’Christian inspired so many with his creative imagination, prodigious intellect, generous spirit, and his rare ability to bring out the very best in those around him. His loss has devastated a wide community of family, friends, and fellow musicians who can’t imagine a world without him.
’Knowing Christian, he would want something creative and meaningful to come from his death. Together with his wonderful parents, Denyse and Garry, we felt that a legacy project was the most fitting way to honour and commemorate him.’
A list of exceptional musicians have agreed to take part in the project, including Steven Isserlis, the Zehetmair Quartet, Katherine Hunka, Bartholomew LaFollette, among others. The recording label Orchid Classics has given its support through a portion of the production costs, while the Irish Chamber Orchestra has offered studio space.
The fundraiser has a target of £8,000, which will go towards production costs. As Elliott suffered from Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also called chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), additional funds raised will go towards a charity supporting research into ME/CFS.
£1,343 has been raised as of 30 July. View the fundraiser here.
Watch Elliott’s arrangement of ‘Flying Theme’ from E.T. below:
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