Instructor Biographies

Laszlo Mezo, Cello

Born in Budapest, Hungary, Laszlo Mezo began his cello studies at the age of six. He gained national recognition as one of the most talented cellists of his generation when he won First Prize in the "Kertesz Otto Memorial Competition" in 1998. Subsequent successes brought him international recognition when he won Fourth Prize in the "Antonio Janigro Junior International Competition" in 1998, Second Prize in the "International David Popper Competition for Young Cellists" in 2000 and Special Prize in the "International David Popper Cello Competition" in 2004.

He was awarded with the first prize of the Ima Hogg International Competition in Houston, TX in June 2008.

Following in the footsteps of his father, cellist Laszlo Mezo (cello professor in the Liszt Ferenc University of Music, Cavalier of violoncello, a jury member in major cello Competitions and Festivals and a member of the Bartok Quartet), Laszlo Mezo has forged a career as a soloist, recitalist, master teacher and chamber musician. He has performed extensively in Europe, Asia and America, appearing in countries such as The United States, Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Croatia, France, Slovakia, Brazil and Japan.

Always eager to pass on his knowledge, Laszlo has conducted master classes in Japan, Switzerland and Hungary. In 2008 he was Assistent Teacher at the University of Southern California.

As soloist, Laszlo has performed with Maestros adam Fischer, Thomas Wilkins, Grant Llewellyn, Zsolt Hamar and Jerzy Swoboda. As chamber musician, he has collaborated in recitals with pianists Gabor Farkas, Marta Gulyas, Piotr Folkert and Balazs Szokolay, violinist Kristof Barati, cellist Philipp Muller and the Bartok Quartet. He has also played under the direction of Zubin Mehta and Kent Nagano (among others) as a member of the Bayerische Staatsorchester in Munich.

Laszlo Mezo holds master degrees from the Liszt Ferenc University of Music in Budapest and the Hochschule für Musik und Theater München. He has also participated in the master classes of Uzi Wiesel, Josef Podhoransky, Othmar Müller, Philippe Müller, Rainer Zipperling, Fenyves Lorand and Wolfgang Boettcher. In addition to performing and teaching, Laszlo recently graduated from the class of Ralph Kirshbaum at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

He recently finished his CD-recording of David Popper's works, including many first recordings with the Hungaroton label.

http://www.mezo.us

For more information and scheduling please call 858-623-0036 or email Laszlo Mezo at sandiego@hammondashley.com.