Jacqueline Mary du Pré OBE was a British cellist, considered by many as one of the greatest of all time. Achieving mainstream popularity at a young age, du Pré won Britain's most prestigious cello award at age 11, made her adult debut at 17, and became a fully established artist by 20. At 21, she married the acclaimed conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim, forming a celebrated musical couple.
Du Pré performed with leading symphonic orchestras worldwide and recorded the entire cello repertoire. Her flourishing career was cut short by multiple sclerosis, forcing her to stop performing at 27. She lived another 15 years, during which she continued to teach, ultimately dying at 42.
Du Pré's musical legacy is renowned for her passionate and emotive playing and she remains an influential figure in the world of classical music.