About Jacqueline du Pré at six years old
Wikipedia says: “Jacqueline Mary du Pré, O.B.E. (January 26, 1945 – October 19, 1987), was a British cellist, today acknowledged as one of the greatest exponents of the instrument. She is particularly associated with the Elgar Cello Concerto in E Minor; her interpretation of this work has been described as “definitive” and “legendary.”
Susan Crawford relates this sweet story about Jacqueline du Pré:
[tease]
When Jacqueline du Pré was six years old, the story goes, she went into her first competition as a cellist, and she was seen running down the corridor carrying her cello above her head, with a huge grin of excitement on her face.
A custodian, noting what he took to be relief on the little girl’s face, said, “I see you’ve just had your chance to perform!”
Jackie answered, excitedly, “No, no, I’m just about to!”