Nelson Cooke

Nelson Ripley Cooke AM (21 December 1919 – 7 February 2018) He began playing the cello aged 8, having previously been a piano player. At one time, he was taught by Jascha Gopinko.

During the Second World War, Cooke served in the Australian Defence Force, during which time he visited Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. In 1970, he became principal cellist for the Florida Orchestra. He later became head of strings at the Canberra School of Music,

In 1988, Cooke founded the Riverina Summer School for Strings. Cooke retired from playing the cello at the age of 90. In 2011, Cooke was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the New Years Honours List.