Joseph Schuster was a cello virtuoso of the first order, and won the highest plaudits of critics all over the world. Born in Istanbul, he studied in St Petersburg and Berlin Conservatories, and for five years was first cellist of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. He made his American début in 1934, and shortly thereafter became the first cellist of the New York Philharmonic, a position he held for eight years. In 1943 he began giving recitals and appearing as soloist with orchestras, and his very successful tours took him throughout South America, Europe, Asia and to every corner of the United States. He was also featured in important musical presentations on radio and television.