Shafran, Daniil Borisovich

Born Feb. 13,1923, in Leningrad. Soviet cellist. People’s Artist of the USSR (1977).

In 1950, Shafran graduated from the Leningrad Conservatory, where he had studied cello with A. Ia. Shtrimer. He maintains a busy performance schedule in the USSR and abroad. Shafran won recognition for his profound interpretations of the classical cello repertoire and the works of Soviet composers. His playing is distinguished by a subtle poetic quality, a high level of artistry, and brilliant virtuosity. He took first prize in the All-Union Competition of Violinists and Cellists in Moscow in 1937 and the H. Wihan International Cello Competition in Prague in 1950. Shafran received the State Prize of the USSR in 1952.