- Pablo Casals (1876-1973): A Spanish cellist, conductor, and composer, considered to be one of the greatest cellists of all time.
- Yo-Yo Ma (1955-present): An American cellist of Chinese descent, known for his virtuosity, diverse musical interests, and dedication to social causes.
- Mstislav Rostropovich (1927-2007): A Russian cellist, conductor, and teacher, renowned for his passionate playing and advocacy for freedom of expression.
- Jacqueline du Pré (1945-1987): An English cellist, regarded as one of the most gifted cellists of the 20th century, known for her intense and emotional playing.
- Pierre Fournier (1906-1986): A French cellist, admired for his elegant playing, flawless technique, and interpretations of classical and romantic repertoire.
- Daniel Barenboim (1942-present): An Argentine-Israeli pianist and conductor, also a skilled cellist, who has made significant contributions to classical music as both a performer and conductor.
- Julian Lloyd Webber (1951-present): An English cellist, brother of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, known for his interpretations of classical and contemporary cello music.
- Truls Mørk (1961-present): A Norwegian cellist, recognized for his lyrical playing, technical proficiency, and collaborations with leading orchestras and conductors.
- Alisa Weilerstein (1982-present): An American cellist, praised for her emotional depth, technical precision, and commitment to contemporary music.
These are just a few examples of famous cellists who have left a significant impact on the world of classical music.