Another former student of Rostropovich, David Geringas, was the first prize winner in the Moscow 1970 Tchaikovsky Cello Competition. At that point Geringas decided to leave his native Lithuania to embark on a concert career, making Germany his base. In the following years he performed with every major European orchestra, and made highly acclaimed visits to North America. In 1989 he turned his attention to conducting, and has directed many ensembles in Europe, becoming the Guest Conductor of the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra. He has a wide repertoire both as a cellist and conductor, and has won major awards for his championing of contemporary music.
