Jon Fistein was born in Lancashire and started to learn the cello aged 4. He attended the Manchester Grammar School. During his time there he won the Chamber Music Competition for Schools. Jon gained the Guildhall School of Music's Licentiate diploma in cello performance and went to Jesus College, Cambridge to read medicine where he held an Instrumental Award. This enabled him to continue to develop as a cellist through lessons with Alexander Baillie and Lowri Blake. He played as principal cellist with the university orchestras, and gave many solo and chamber recitals. Jon then won an Imperial College / Royal College Scholarship. This enabled further private study with Amaryllis Fleming and William Pleeth. Subsequently, he studied with Stefan Popov. 

Jon is now based in Cambridge. He is in demand as a soloist, chamber musician, session musician, teacher and freelancer. He has given numerous recitals in Europe and the UK. He is a founder member of the Anglian Ensemble and he works closely with contemporary composers to commission new works for the cello.