Since then, Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser as the 2CELLOS have performed at Madison Square Garden, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace, on the television series Glee and with Sir Elton John.
Set to perform in Singapore in their only top in Southeast Asia, organised by LAMC Productions, Hauser says of their collaboration with Elton: “We have been touring with him around the world for three years, playing arenas and stadiums, and this is where we learnt how to perform and make a show in front of thousands of people almost every night.
“We learnt a lot about how showbiz works, how touring works, and all that stuff and we had a chance to learn from the best. That is an amazing experience for us that will stay with us for a lifetime!”
They also appear alongside Elton in his new movie, “Elton John: The Million Dollar Piano”, released on March 18, 2014.
Sulic, 26, and Hauser, 27, have played the cello since childhood. Sulic graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in London, and Hauser from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, both in 2011.
Between them, they have more than 40 prizes for their musical talents. Both have appeared in major classical music venues throughout the world including London’s Royal Albert Hall. They also have two albums to their credit — 2CELLOS (2011) and In2ition (2013).
Childhood
Hauser: “We started playing cello since we were little kids and dedicated our entire lives to cello and classical music.
“We didn’t have really a normal childhood as other kids, and had to work very hard and stay focused. There were some really tough times, but luckily we were strong enough to go through all those crisises and we had great moral support from our parents without whom we wouldn’t be where we are today.
“Nowadays, we are trying to catch up with the childhood and youth we never really had, and are trying to have more fun and see other things in life other than cello and music!”
Influences
Although they are as cool with performing Shostakovich and Vivaldi or film soundtracks as they are with works by Adele or Prince, Hauser says they were mostly influenced by classical music and great performers and composers of the era.
“But gradually we started opening up to different kinds of music and started gaining influences from other fields which was crucial for our development and for what we do today.”
Other artistic collaborations
Hauser: Someone like Sting, Eminem, AC/DC, that would be so cool!
Favourite classical piece to play
Hauser: Depends of the mood. If you feel aggressive and shredding, than some Shostakovich and Prokifiev. If you feel romantic, than some Dvorak or Rachmaninov. If you feel philosophical and spiritual, than maybe some Bach.”
The 2CELLOS have made the cello cool for young people. If you’ve not seen the Oscar-winning film (Foreign Film) Departures, then you’re missing on a lyrical voice.
The sound of the cello
Hauser: “It’s the closest to the human voice. It can be really gentle, warm and tender. It can also be very powerful and aggressive if needed. It can do all kinds of stuff. It’s the most universal instrument.”
Repertoire for the Singapore show
Hauser: We will play our standard show of our favourite songs from first and second album, and some of the songs from the album that is about to come towards the end of the year.
Catch the 2CELLOS’s one-night only 8pm showcase on May 22 at The Star Theatre, The Star Performing Arts Centre, Singapore.
Tickets range from S$88 (RM227) to S$148 (RM382). Visit www.sistic.com.sg or call (65) 6348 5555.
