steve kramer ¦ cellist

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Rita. Grandmother on my fathers side, 'Babushka'. My life, my love, and my mentor.
Grandfather Vladimir Ysaeyevich Novak, 'Volodia'.
Dedushka Volodia and Babushka Rita in front of the fabulous and beloved concert hall of TIVOLI in Copenhagen, Denmark, housing all of the worlds-finest musician’s and artist’s for centuries. The great musician and entertainer Børge Rosenbaum a.k.a., Victor Borge, would read the title of our scandinavian oasis, backwards; ILOVIT.
Volodia and Rita in Wonderful-Wonderful Copenhagen, Denmark.
A very confident boy prior to beginning studies at The Yehudi Menuhin School, my cradle of chamber music!
My grandfather on my mother's side was also a World War II hero, wounded three times and a survivor of 'The Battle of Berlin.'
My grandfather on my mother's side was one the most decorated WWII soldiers and a true hero who was wounded three times and a survivor of 'The Battle of Berlin'. Excerpt from a family-storytelling. It was a frosty January of 1943. The command of the 'Voronezh Front' was preparing an offensive: 'Ostrogozhsk-Rossosh' operation. Rossosh was the largest railway junction and a supply base for many enemy formations occupied by the Italian Alpine Corps. The liberation of the city meant the collapse of the entire right front of the fascist group. The offensive began at dawn on January the 14th., from the Kantemirovka area and the Pasekovo railway station. After artillery preparation, infantry regiments of the 180th and 48th Guards Divisions of the 3rd Panzer Army executed the attack. The enemy's front edge was numbed with fixed firing points. The infantry layed down, and the battles to break through the first defensive line were protracted. On January the 16th., the 180th division entered the city of Rossosh from the direction of Mitrofanovka. The 42nd Rifle Regiment was commanded by my grandfather, the Guard Major Gavriil Semenovich Kozhevnikov. A professional soldier - in the Red Army since 1931 - since the beginning of the war, he always had been at the forefront. In October of 1941 my grandfather took part in the battles near Kamenka (battle for Moscow), where he was first wounded. In August-September 1942, he skillfully led the military operations of the regiment near Rzhev (Western Front), for which he was awarded his first 'Red Star'. The enemy retreated with battles. The battle for Rossosh took on the character of short but grisly battles. The enemy fiercely resisted in the area of the railway station, on the railway station streets, on the northern outskirts of the station and at the poultry farm, where large ammunition depots were located. Eyewitnesses recalled that the Nazis settled on the roof of the railway station and opened heavy fire in response to any movement (from the side of today's Proletarskaya). Soldiers of the Soviet Army dug passages in the snowdrifts and thus were able to quietly approach the enemy. The battles for the city continued for several days. On January the 17th., Rossosh and its environs were cleared of the Nazis. The rout of a large enemy grouping was completed. For the liberation of the city of Rossosh, my grandfather was awarded the Order of the Red Star, already the second since the beginning of the war. In Rossosh he met his love - the beautiful Shura Zimbalist, my grandmother. During the occupation, in order not to be noticed by the Nazis, she and her younger brother literally lived in a barn, starving and freezing. History is silent about the circumstances under which my grandmother and grandfather met, but this fact became very significant. After that, my grandfather had new battles and new exploits. In the 43rd Regiment - the crossing of the Dnieper. In the 44th Regiment, he was transferred to the 2nd Belorussian Front, where he first commanded the 769th Regiment and then the 661st Regiment of the 200th Rifle Regiment Division. Differs in the East Prussian operation: on February the 7th., 1945, the regiment of my grandfather's, near the village of Topolno, defeated a group of Germans. In this battle 600 soldiers and officers were captured and taken as prisoners, among the trophies were 300 carts with various property, 20 guns and larger amounts of other military equipment. On the 17th,. of February of 1945, my grandfather personally, despite strong enemy artillery and mortar fire, led the assault on the 'Frankenhofen-stronghold'. During 'The Battle of Berlin', my grandfather was wounded again and for the third time. After victory, he remained to command the 469th Regiment of the 150th Rifle Regiment Division as part of the group of Soviet occupation-forces in Germany. My grandfather was awarded two: 'Orders of the Red Star', three: 'Orders of the Battle Red Banner', also: 'The Order of the Patriotic War of the 1st Degree' and many more medals. In 1955 my grandfather and grandmother moved to live in Rossosh. In 1968 my grandfather was awarded the title: 'Honorary Citizen of the City of Rossosh'. My grandparents lived a long and fulfilling life. My grandmother passed away in March of 1994, and my grandfather passed away, July of 1996.
Mother and grandmother.
Mother dearest and former oboist at piano examination in adolescence. Lenin hovering on the wall, a mandatory portrait in every educational and governmental establishment during the Soviet era.
The Sound of music in a very young age.
Violin lessons, three years old with my grandfather, 'Volodia', Vladimir Yeshayavitch Novak.
Vladimir Yeshayavitch Novak, a beloved and honored violin pedagogue and violinist in Kiev Philharmonic. Conducting the youth orchestra in the historic concert hall in the Khrestchaty Park in Kiev, Ukraine.
My grandfather Vladmir was a beloved and most respected violin pedagogue in Kiev, Ukraine and also a member of the Kiev Philharmonic. Here he is depicted with his colleagues and his friends, Maestro Natan Rakhlin and composer Dmitri Shostakovich.
Vladimir Yeshayavitch Novak during the numerous student recitals in our home, surrounded by children and youth of all ages from immigrant families.
The shortest distance between people, is the smile. ~ Victor Borge.
Martha and I posing following a family concert.
Playing as if my life depended upon it. Jens Brincker awarded me a prize in Tivoli Hall at the 1993 Berlingske Tidende Classical Music Competition.
My father practising with me prior to an adventurous travel to England to audition for a spot at The Yehudi Menuhin School. My father was a musician of generations, one whom I had the good fortune to learn from and work with. I remember him always working playing the violin, drawing, painting and sculpting unconditionally.
Studying at the Yehudi Menuhin school.'An accomplished chamber musician, a child of music.' – Yehudi Menuhin (at The Barn)
In the home of the legendary Scandinavian cellist, my first former cello teacher, Erling Bløndal Bengtsson. He was accepted as a student by the legendary Gregor Piatigorsky at the Curtis Institute of Music at the age of sixteen, becoming Piatigorsky's first ever class-assistant and also conducting his own cello class at Curtis, for four consecutive years. 'Steve Kramer, whom I had the utmost pleasure teaching from within my home in Brønshøj, possesses an absolutely natural musical feeling and sense of form. His instrumental endowment is so convincing that he is a true cello talent.' – Erling Bløndal Bengtsson
Yehudi Menuhin School years. In company with grand musicians such as violinist Yehudi Menuhin, pianist and composer and chamber music teacher Peter Norris, cellist Alexander Chausian and absolutly addicted to candy.
After a practice session at the prestigious 'Hochschule fur Musik-Detmold' in Germany. My teacher was the phenominal cellist, Karine Georgian.
Together with Pope John Paul II, Orvieto, Italy.
Following a recital at a friend's lighthouse in Dungeness, England, performing the 'VI Unaccompanied Suites' by Johann Sebastian Bach.
Concert, Andalusia, Almuñécar.
Bringing music to disadvantaged children through Musicopia
Musicopia.
Travelling nationwide and internationally sharing the joy and importance of classical music as part of educational outreach.
Tradition.
Contemporary Museum of Louisiana, Denmark
Rehearsal
Playing classical music is a noble art. A powerful by-product of my teaching is when my pupils become teachers themselves.
Chamber music derives partly from an old German tradition. I am passionately continuing this tradition in the United States.
After recital in New York City, passionately promoting the new generations of composers.
A performance that 'floored' the audience.
My American master class debut. Instructing Kevyn, Ben and Pat at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center in Bryn Athen.
My American master class debut. Instructing Kevyn, Ben and Pat at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center in Bryn Athen.
Tradition. And for generations to come.
An artistic collaboration with one of my dear friends, violinist Raymond Taylor who passed away in 2020 during the global pandemic heist titled: Covid. A brother to me who knew Ivan Galamian and Frank Sinatra. The photo was made following an amazing World War II commemoration event. A dozen Soviet hero’s of WWII were honored. It is certainly one of the most honorable moments in my life. My grandfather on my mother’s side was also a World War II hero, wounded three times and a survivor of 'The Battle of Berlin'.
Steve Kramer arranging visits of open rehearsals and concerts for students of all ages. Seen here with Maestro Dudamel following a rehearsal with the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra in Carnegie Hall. Accompanied by young budding cello students and composers from the Juilliard School of Music, New York City.
Following my fundraiser event involving fine artists and friends, including musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra, guitarist and composer Allen Krantz, the ensemble Latin Fiesta and others at the Horizon Theater in Norristown, PA, on June 28, 2016. We banked $15,000 to benefit young people’s education in classical music at the Centre Theater Music School of Norritown. In the picture is my internationally acclaimed ensemble: The Rachmaninoff Duo, sharing a moment of bliss following a festive concert of internationally diverse music.
Portrait with my long term friend, Harrington E. Crissey, Jr., a.k.a. ‘Kit’, an educator and a passionate advocate for classical music and contemporary composers and a presenter for three decades of the fabulous “Crissey Concerts”.
In the home of the Grammy award-winning family, composers and pianists, Allison and Carlos Franzetti
Accompanied by my greatest fan, my mother-dearest.
Die-hard training with the world champion athlete and boxer, Poul Duvil. Running a 20+ marathon, hiking, biking, mountaineering, snowboarding/skiing, tennis, swimming, yoga, pilates, meditation and fasting ... it’s a lifestyle.
Together with the always charismatic Joel Pier following a Bikram-Yoga session. It was in my early that I began practising yoga, introduced to me by Yehudi Menuhin. Through my affiliation with many recognized yoga teachers a door was open to participate in the spiritual tradition of 'Sweat Lodge's' piloted by Native Americans
Following a performance in collaboration with Philadelphia's Mural Art's Project, honoring the six winner's of the Latin Fiesta's, Pioneer Award. In a great company with Jessy Bermudez, founder of 'Asociasion de Musicos Latino Americos, AMLA, and radio host at Sirius Satellite Radio, Stanley Evans with his lovely wife.
Following a performance in collaboration with Diego Castellanos at Philadelphia’s television station, WPVI-TV, Channel 6-ABC.
Performance debut in the great Radio City Music Hall, New York City.
Accompanied by Mark Twain at Centre Theaters Fundraiser, October 7th., 2017.
Chamber music derives partly from an old German tradition. I am passionately continuing this tradition in the United States. In the home on Lake Barcroft, Virginia in company with the honorable Dominick Cardella.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Playing around with the 'Cavaquinho' and 'Acordeon', both national instruments of Brazil. Joyfully assisted by former pianist Prof. Taylor while touring with my ensemble: The Rachmaninoff Duo.
2018 concert tour in Brazil, portraying American and Danish music.
Visit at the English School in Pirracicaba, Brazil, advocating for the joy and importance of classical music.
Performing with closest friends, baritone, Alan Rosenbaum, coloratura soprano, Sandra Miller, pianist, Jon Broder and bassoonist, Edward Ziegman.
The Internationally recognized Project "Starving Artist Prevention". Here in artistic collaboration with the young musicians of 'Luzes da Ribalta', in Brazil.
Internationally acclaimed ensemble in rehearsal: 'The Rachmaninoff Duo'.
Director of the Centre Theater.
Steve Kramer’s artistic and educational collaborations also include having the honorable position of Director of Music at The Veterans School for the Music and Arts, a subsidiary of Vance Community Partners, Inc. The Veterans School for the Music and Arts, with generous support from the Kal and Lucille Rudman Foundation. Here seen together with the music-loving and very funny Solomon 'Kal' Rudman.
Internationally acclaimed Rachmaninoff Duo in Concert..
Saving a theater. Director of Music.
Independence String Ensemble performs at the New Age Adult Day Care Center. Sharing my innate love and joy for classical and popular music composed in America and providing the highest class of entertainment to the elderly and infirm: this is without a doubt the most honorable and noble of missions in my professional life with the cello in hand.
Marathon fever!
Esti.
Promoting composers. Following a performance with music by Jennifer Higdon and other American composers. Working with contemporary composers is a cornerstone of my musical life welcoming collaborations with composers on a global scale.
Kol Nidre at the Beth Am Synagogue.
Tradition.
Esti.
Luncheon following artistic collaboration with my dearest friend, architect and amateur cellist, David Traub and his colleague. David Traub wrote two jewels: 'Searching for Philadelphia, The Concealed City,' and 'Discovering Philadelphia, Places Little Known.' David Traub created as a part of the 1982 tercentenary celebration of the founding of Philadelphia, ‘The Concealed City’, building bridge historically to the sequel, ‘Places Little Known’. The respective reader takes a fabulous journey through a myriad of corridors, from the narrowest of streets and alleyways, public squares and hidden gardens, bringing to light the 'secret city,' that most residents and tourist never will see. The second 'footprint' of true historic bliss welcomes us to rather unusual sites, from charming interiors and hidden pockets, old mansions, cemeteries and urban oases, and so on and so forth. David Traub, a native ‘Kentuckian’, born and raised in Louisville, obtained his greater learning and degrees at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, under the tutelage of Louis I. Kahn. David Traub developed and worked projects such as the Kimbell Art Museum in Forth Worth, Yale Center for British Art in New Haven, restoring a Victorian carriage house in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, and has conquered tales of artistic collaborations with world-leading composers and artists, encompassing names prominent as the composer Igor Stravinsky, and the legendary cellist Gregor Piatigorsky, the cello teacher of my first and former cello teacher, Erling Bløndal Bengtsson.
Marrying the woman of my life in the midst of the global pandemic heist, my beloved wife Anechka. December 7, 2020.
Celebrating our son Victor's 13th year birthday in the allure of our beloved jewel, beautiful Sarasota. Together with our friends Pieter and Susan Kohnstam, children of the Holocaust. Exhanging great books of history, Pieter Kohnstam's: 'A Chance to Live' and Daniel Levin's: 'Violins and Hope'
A unique friendship and oustanding artistic collaboration with Philadelphia based jazz guru, pianist Thomas 'Tom' Lawton. Entering the world of music of the contemporaries, paying tribute to the golden age of my beloved adopted mother-America's twentieth century compositions. Inbetween the Bach, the Mozart and the Rachmaninoff's.
Victor & Steve
Music Salon of Sarasota by Steve Kramer was launched April 7th of 2024 together with Steve’s wife, Anna Kramer, daughter Emilia, and son Victor, presenting ‘Artists of Honor’, the legendary respected and beloved jazz pianist Dick Hyman and Sculptor Julia Hyman. The sought-after and immensely popular Music Salon is conducted every first Sunday of the month, and Steve Kramer brings together an international community of musicians, artists, authors, poets, painters, sculptors, and photographers—many of whom are both friends and colleagues—to play all periods, genres, and styles of music and exhibiting their artwork. The Salon requires a donation which is given as an honorarium to guest musicians. All extra donations are welcomed and support the performing musicians and artists. Each guest is also invited to bring an hors d’oeuvre, desert, or wine for an intermission buffet. Steve, Anna, Emilia and Victor will welcome you with open arms and share a most unique, fun, and fiery musical experience. Music Salon of Sarasota starts at 3 PM., and doors open 2:45 PM., and parking is free. Children have free access and the premises are protected 24/7 by live security guards and surveillance cameras all around the property. All entry on the property is at own risk. Please RSVP to stevekramermusic@gmail.com if you are planning on attending the Music Salon of Sarasota. All musicians and artists interested in performing are required to submit a letter of interest, a biography, professional photo with instrument(s), and ensemble info. The earliest Music Salons are believed to have sprung out of Italy, soon populating France during the 17th and 18th centuries. During the Age of Enlightenment and the French Revolution, the Music Salon became a seat for lively political debate. Austria and Germany were also on the forefront of embracing the Music Salon. The musical events shaped a platform for women dominating numerous art forms and enjoying principal positions. Composers, and performers would play instrumental music that often was sentimental, beautiful, fun, and suitable for a chamber room setting rather than the concert hall. Composers and performers associated with the salons include, Frantz Josef Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Frederic Chopin, Carl Maria von Weber, Franz Liszt, Svitoslav Richter, and many others. Salons also helped change the ways money was allocated for the arts and public institutions, and by creating social awareness. The Music Salon was once upon a time a small gathering of specific people—of elite people. It was held in a designated room in the house used for the reception of visitors. During the 19th century, composers, musicians, and very fine people from the aristocracy would meet in Music Salons and enjoy listening to great music, such as the Lobkowitz, Schwarzenberg, Lichnowsky and many more.
Ladies and Gentlemen! Please fasten your seatbelts. My rendition and production of the Passacaglia pays tribute to my childhoods first showpiece as a chamber musician. My first public performance of the Passacaglia materialized at the main synagogue in Copenhagen, Denmark, in Krystalgade. My beloved and dearly missed grandfather by my side, violinist and music pedagogue Vladimir Yeshayavich Novak, introduced to me this fun, fiery, and playful dialogue bounded by two string instruments

© 2025 STEVE KRAMER CELLIST