Australian-born cellist, Antony Cooke, began his musical studies at the age of six. The family soon moved to London when his father, Nelson Cooke, already internationally known, was appointed principal cellist of the London Symphony Orchestra. While in London, young Antony won many awards, including Gold Medals at the London Music Competition in 1966 and the 'Young Musicians' 73. As BBC soloist, he was featured frequently as recitalist, and as concerto soloist with such conductors as Colin Davis and Harry Blech. Subsequently, he was appointed principal cellist of the London Mozart Players, England's premier chamber orchestra at that time, thereby becoming the youngest principal cellist in the country.
Antony Cooke earned Artist Diplomas from both the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music. Subsequently he performed widely throughout Great Britain, Europe and the USA, appearing at major halls and festivals, including the Royal Festival Hall and the Bath Festival. He has recorded five solo LP's on vinyl disk, among them Concertos for Cello and Wind Orchestra.
In 1974, Antony Cooke came to America where he was appointed professor of cello at the University of South Florida and in 1980 at Northwestern University in Chicago where he was also a member of the Regenstein Trio. Moving to Los Angeles, California in 1984, he quickly established himself in the recording industry and in 1987, earned screen credits for his work as solo cellist and consultant in Franco Zefirelli's film "Young Toscanini".
In addition to his career as cellist, he is also a widely published and performed composer, and has written music for film and prime time television.