Jacqueline Mary du Pré, O.B.E. (January 26, 1945 ? October 19, 1987) was an English cellist, today acknowledged as one of the greatest exponents of the instrument. She is particularly associated with Elgar's Cello Concerto in E Minor; her interpretation of this work has been described as "definitive" and "legendary".[1] Her career was cut short by multiple sclerosis, which forced her to cease performing at the age of 28, and eventually led to her premature death. Following her death, a book about her family life was written by her sister Hilary du Pré and her brother Piers. This book formed the basis for the movie Hilary and Jackie which aroused fierce controversy. Born in Oxford, England, du Pré was the second child of Derek and Iris du Pré. Derek du Pré was born in Jersey, where his family had lived for generations. After having worked as an accountant at the Lloyds Bank in St Helier and London for eleven years he became assistant editor, and later the editor, of The Accountant. Her mother, born Iris Greep, was a talented pianist, and taught at the Royal Academy in London.[2] At age four du Pré is said to have heard the sound of the cello on the radio and asked her mother for "one of those." She started with lessons from her mother, who composed little pieces accompanied by illustrations, before beginning study at the London Violoncello School at age five. Her first teacher was Alison Dalrymple.