Elbphilharmonie Innerview: Sterling Elliott

Inwards – in the »Elbphilharmonie Innerviews«, artists explore the Elbphilharmonie in their own unique ways, letting their thoughts run free. The result: special insights into the spaces of the concert hall and a rare opportunity to get to know the artists personally beyond the stage.

»I truly hope in my lifetime that I’ll have been able to change someone’s life for the better,« says the young cellist Sterling Elliott. In the »Elbphilharmonie Innerview«, he shares insights into his musical upbringing, his connection with audiences, and the profound influence of music.

The Elbphilharmonie’s »Innerviews« series is supported by our Principal Sponsor Julius Bär.

»My performing career began in public spaces such as libraries and malls,« Sterling Elliott reveals. Witnessing the immediate impact of music on a diverse audience has left a lasting impression on him. »To this day, I continue to seek out settings in which people of all ages and backgrounds can experience the beauty of a singing cello.«

Beyond his own artistic career, the Virginia-born musician is committed to working with children, whether in workshops or other educational formats in schools. »It’s amazing the influence that a single musical encounter can have.«

In Hamburg, he not only performed in the popular »Teatime Classics« series, but also captured the hearts of around a dozen children at an instrument workshop at the Elbphilharmonie.

Sterling Elliott firmly believes in the power of encounters with music to be transformative. That belief fuels his passion and hope: to improve lives with music.

»There was a cello waiting for me before I was born into this world,« says Sterling Elliott, going on to reveal the plans early on for a musical ensemble within his family: »Including my mother, my brother and sister there were three violins already and while pregnant with me it was determined I would be the cellist to complete the Elliott Family String Quartet.« Though he smiles while saying it, his sentiment is very sincere – making music with his family holds great significance for him.

They first appeared on stage together as a quartet over 20 years ago. And just like Sterling Elliott on his own, the whole family also shares their passion not only through concerts but also by inspiring others in chamber music workshops.