Heinrich Schiff began his music studies at six (piano) and took up the 'cello at age ten. His professional debut took place at the age of twenty, first in Vienna (where he had studied both 'cello and conducting) and in the same season in London.

From the beginning of his career Schiff has championed contemporary music as well as the classics and has premiered works by Lutoslawski, Henze, Berio, Cerha and Krenek. By 1986, Schiff felt confident enough in his growing conducting skills to make his professional debut and the 'double-threat' of Schiff was born! He has gone on to considerable acclaim in both his metiers with important appointments as a conductor and a burgeoning opera career.

Through it all he has continued to play the 'cello magnificently. Critics hail his rich, full sound coupled with a true Viennese sweetness in the upper register. This tone is allied to a robust rhythmical sense, giving Schiff the freedom to create real fantasy in his playing while staying true to the intention of the composer, whether it is Bach or Berio.

He has recorded much of the major concerto and solo 'cello repertoire for Philips Classics.