He was born in Hermannstadt in Romania and studied with Dinicu and Adulescu in Bucarest. In 1968 he left Romania to continue his studies with Mainardi and Richter. Since 1970 he is a member of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and has played as soloist with this orchestra under the direction of Herbert von Karajan and Claudio Abbado. Cofounder of the 12 Cellisten der Berliner Philharmoniker, he has played in chamber music groups in Europe, Japan and United States. Performed at the Festival in 2005 2006 2007 2008 2011 2012 2013.