The youngest musician ever to win the International Tchaikovsky Competition Cello Division, exciting American cellist Zlatomir Fung has collated an album of opera fantasies including Fantasy on Jenůfa which he arranged himself and a Fantasy written especially for him – Fantasia Carmèn – by composer Marshall Estrin. After extensive research Fung found these fantasies for cello used recognisable tunes from famous operas to create a free medley and that there are few rules beyond the pure expression of the composer’s personality, interests, and strengths as a cellist. But its more unconventional elements reimagine the notion of the fantasy itself, proving that the genre’s possibilities are far from exhausted – and, indeed, may only be in their infancy.

After his Tchaikovsky Competition win, Fung has garnered accolades, critical acclaim and standing ovations at performances around the world, more and more widely recognized as one of the preeminent cellists of our time. Astounding audiences with his boundless virtuosity and exquisite sensitivity, the 25-year-old has already proven himself a star among the next generation of world-class musicians.