Zara Nelsova

Zara Katznelson was born in Winnipeg to the family of a professional musician, Gregor Katznelson, who was a flutist performing under the name Nelsov. Zara's performing name is the Russian feminine form of her father's stage name. The family had emigrated to Canada in 1910. She said she would like to play cello as early as four and a half years old. Her father got a viola converted to hold in gamba position like a cello and gave her lessons. She recalled that his lessons technically prepared her, as well as teach her discipline and how to practice. And she did well: When she ...