Joel Krosnick: What to Play Next?

An intimate look at cellist Joel Krosnick, as he retires after forty-two years playing with the Juilliard String Quartet.

“Leaving the Juilliard Quartet after what I can only describe as a cascade of the most wonderful music and relationships with great musicians – the decision would have been out of the question. I do have arthritic problems in my hands and it hurts when I play…”

So begins JOEL KROSNICK: WHAT TO PLAY NEXT?, a documentary portrait of cellist Joel Krosnick as he leaves the famed Juilliard String Quartet to dedicate his life to teaching others.

Captured over the course of two years, the film visits with Krosnick as he plays with and mentors the next generation of players, both at the Juilliard and at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto. It hears from some of his closest friends and students, including pianist Gilbert Kalish, violinists Laurie Smukler and Nina Lee, and fellow Juilliard member Samuel Rhodes, with whom Krosnick played for his entire career with the quartet.

“During my life, there have been a number of people who have shared their caring with me and who helped me find why I care,” says Krosnick. “There are so many people who made a difference… I have to try to do that for other people.”

Original title Joel Krosnick: What to Play Next?
Genre Documentary
Production year 2019
Duration 38 minutes
Production Company Riddle Films
Director Liam Romalis & Jason Charters
Video format HD