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Thomas Beckmann plays the cello in front of the Franciscans soup kitchen in Dusseldorf

After studying classical philology and philosophy, Thomas Beckmann attended the conservatories in Dusseldorf and Cologne. Already during his studies he was playing as cellist in various professional orchestras.
Thomas Beckmann become known for his performances of Charlie Chaplin’s small classical sonatas and works. The CD “Oh! That Cello”, which he recorded with pianist John Cernota was awarded with the ”Prize of the German Record Critics”. From 1986 to 1996 Beckmann had in Germany more than 500 performances. In addition, he had concert tours in Japan, Scandinavia, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Russia and Ukraine.
Since 1996, Thomas Beckmann is helping through his humanitarian project “United against the cold” -”Gemeinsam gegen Kälte” homeless people and collects all over the world with benefit concerts donations. Because of his social commitment through his voluntary work and for his annual benefit tours he received “The Federal Cross of Merit 1st Class Award” – “Bundesverdienstkreuz” 1.Klasse.
In August 2012, Thomas Beckmann, Kayoko Beckmann and Yuko Kasahara at the piano and the vocal ensemble Canticle of Regensburg performed for Pope Benedict XVI himself at the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo.
Currently he continues to help people through his Benefit Tour “Beckmann plays cello for homeless and poor people”- “Beckmann spielt Cello zugunsten obdachloser und armer Menschen” in many German cities. For more info about the Benefit Tour please click here

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