Inga Raab, born in Leipzig, began studying the cello at the age of 7 in East Berlin and became a student of Edwin Koch near Hamburg after Germany's reunification in 1989. From 1997 to 1999, she initially studied at the Lübeck Academy of Music as a junior student under Prof. Troels Svane. In 2000, she moved to the "Hanns Eisler" School of Music under Prof. Stefan Forck and from 2003 to 2005 was part of Prof. David Geringas' master class.

 

Key influences in her musical education include not only her professors but also her teacher and mentor Edwin Koch, as well as the significant encounters during master classes with Raphael Wallfisch, Boris Pergamenschikow, Steven Isserlis, the Berlin Baroque Soloists and the Vogler Quartet.

 

During her studies, she won the 1st Prize at the IV Domenico Gabrielli Prize and was a prize winner at the Lluís Claret Competition. In 2004, she became a fellow of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Academy. Besides extensive orchestral experience, the academy provided opportunities for numerous chamber music concerts, including performances at the Berlin Philharmonie Chamber Music Hall.

 

Highlights of her time as a permanent substitute with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, with concerts and tours until 2008, also include numerous performances with the 12 Cellists, including at Carnegie Hall.

 

From 2008 to 2009, Inga Raab was the principal cellist at the Zurich Opera House. She embraced freelancing and embarked on an unconventional career path, frequently performing as a guest principal cellist in various ensembles, opera, chamber and symphony orchestras in Germany, Switzerland, Denmark and Norway.

 

She was also a member of the Lucerne Festival Orchestra and the Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, regularly performed with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and the Orchestra Mozart under C. Abbado. As a soloist, she played under notable conductors such as Franz Welser-Möst, Sir Roger Norrington, Daniele Gatti, Nello Santi, Zubin Mehta, Bernard Haitink and Parvo Järvi.

 

As a soloist, she performed in Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Poland and Lithuania with orchestras such as the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra or the chamber orchestra made up of members of the Karajan Academy of the Berlin Philharmonic.

 

Inga Raab appeared in various chamber music formations at festivals such as the Rheingau Music Festival, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Music Festival, Zermatt Festival (Switzerland) and Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival (Finland).

 

Opera and symphonic music, working with singers as well as outstanding soloists and conductors, remain deeply enriching and fulfilling. However, after many varied years, the focus is now shifting back towards solo performance and chamber music. Teaching and the wonderful individual work with young talents are also taking a more prominent role. She can be heard on various recordings, for example, in Frank Martin's "Le vin herbé" with the Scharoun Ensemble.

 

Inga Raab plays a cello by Giovanni Giudanti, Bologna 1747.

​