The film follows the highs and lows of the cellist’s international career both on and off the stage
Cellist Anastasia Kobekina is the subject of a new documentary entitled Now or Never! (Jetzt oder nie!). The Russian-born cellist was accompanied by a camera crew for one year, during which she recorded and released her debut album Venice with Sony, and made her BBC Proms debut in London.
The documentary gives a rarely seen glimpse into the behind-the-sceens of Kobekina’s life both on and off the stage, including photo and video shoots, plus a lesson with her teacher Kristin von der Goltz. She is seen confiding in her health and mental coach, and discussing social media strategies with her team.
When she is not at her home in Frankfurt, she travels on planes and trains between venues, engagements and meetings, with her Stradivari cello always on her back.
While the film shines a light on the high points of Kobekina’s career, it also shows moments of struggle, such as when Kobekina is seen preparing to perform the Bach Cello Suites while battling a cold.
The documentary also features interviews with Per Hauber, president of Sony Classical; Bryce Dessner, composer and guitarist of the band The National; her manager Gregor Kotow, among others.
The premiere of the international screening was held on 17 February as part of the Avant Première in Berlin, with Kobekina, plus the two directors Grete Liffers and Sophie-Caroline Danner in attendance. The film was presented by C Major Entertainment, sounding images and ARD.
Kobekina spoke about being accompanied by a camera crew for the documentary: ’That’s basically my life and that of many, many musicians. I think, I’m very touched to see this movie unwrapped for the audience who go to the concerts, for concert organisers or other people working in the industry who probably don’t know this. I’m not a unique one.
’We all have doubts and struggles of the day – it’s a challenging life and it’s an everyday life 24/7. I think, that’s why it’s passion, it’s not a job.’
The documentary was originally released in German in a four-part series for ARD Mediathek and has been available since 1 February. Find it here.
Watch the trailer for Anastasia Kobekina: Now or Never! here:
Read: New documentary commemorates Jacqueline du Pré ahead of her upcoming 80th anniversary
Read: Trailer: New Netflix documentary celebrates the NY Phil’s first full-time female musician
The number one source for playing and teaching books, guides, CDs, calendars and back issues of the magazine.
In The Best of Technique you’ll discover the top playing tips of the world’s leading string players and teachers. It’s packed full of exercises for students, plus examples from the standard repertoire to show you how to integrate the technique into your playing.
The Strad’s Masterclass series brings together the finest string players with some of the greatest string works ever written. Always one of our most popular sections, Masterclass has been an invaluable aid to aspiring soloists, chamber musicians and string teachers since the 1990s.
The Canada Council of the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank is 40 years old in 2025. This year’s calendar celebrates some its treasures, including four instruments by Antonio Stradivari and priceless works by Montagnana, Gagliano, Pressenda and David Tecchler.
No comments yet