Pablo Casals was a Spanish CELLIST, conductor, and composer who is widely considered one of the greatest cellists of all time. He was also known for his activism in support of human rights. Casals was born in Catalonia, Spain, and began playing the CELLO at the age of 11. He went on to become a renowned CELLIST, performing with orchestras around the world and recording many albums. He also founded the Prades Festival, which brought together some of the world's greatest cellists. Casals was also a noted teacher, and many of his students went on to become celebrated cellists themselves.