Jacqueline du Pré

English cellist Jacqueline Du Pre began playing cello at age 5 and debuted professionally at age 16 to critical acclaim. For 10 years she was hailed as one of the most exciting and creative musicians in classical music, collaborating and recording with conductor/pianist Daniel Barenboim, who also became Du Pre’s husband. Sadly, her career was cut short when multiple sclerosis caused her to lose sensation in her hands. She died of the disease at age 42, but her life and music were captured in the biography A Genius In The Family, which was co-authored by her brother Piers and her sister Hilary, a talented flautist in her own right. Hilary and Jackie, the 1998 movie based on the book, brought her story even more recognition. ~ Heather Phares