Artists
Vocal Ensembles —
Choir of Clare College, Cambridge
MoreThis really is exceptional singing - immaculately balanced and blended, with text always at its heart. Ross and his young singers have given us quite the gift in this series. I can't wait to hear what they do next.
Alexandra Coghlan, Gramophone
Since the founding of a mixed voice choir in 1972, the Choir of Clare College has gained an international reputation as one of the leading university choral groups in the world.
Stile Antico
MoreIt’s never a good idea to miss a concert from this British vocal ensemble: There are no finer singers of early music.
New York Times
Stile Antico is firmly established as one of the world’s most accomplished and innovative vocal ensembles.
The Swingles
More“stunning reinventions... audacious harmonies... superhero singing to truly raise goosebumps”
The Guardian
The Swingles are one of the world’s most admired and loved vocal groups
Instrumentalists —
Piano
Emmanuel Despax
MoreEmmanuel Despax is a formidable talent, fleet of finger, elegant of phrase and a true keyboard colourist.
Gramophone
Emmanuel Despax has gained worldwide recognition as a singular artist, whose interpretations bring a rare sincerity and imagination to the music
Peter Donohoe
MoreI cannot imagine a living pianist capable of improving upon Donohoe’s outstanding artistry.
Robert Matthew-Walker, Musical Opinion
Since his success as joint winner of the 1982 International Tchaikovsky Competition, Peter has gained international renown as one of the foremost pianists of our time, for his musicianship, stylistic versatility and commanding technique.
Janina Fialkowska
MoreIndeed, lesser mortals may well weep with envy at such unfaltering authority. She has done her one time mentor, Arthur Rubinstein, proud.
GRAMOPHONE
Beloved the world over for her exquisite pianism, Janina Fialkowska has enchanted audiences for over thirty years with her glorious lyrical sound and her profound sense of musical integrity.
Andrey Gugnin
MoreEverything is met with unfaltering assurance, vividness and command
International Piano
Possessing an “extraordinarily versatile and agile technique, which serves an often inspired musical imagination” (Gramophone), pianist Andrey Gugnin is rapidly gaining international acclaim as a passionately virtuosic performer.
Judith Jáuregui
MoreOverwhelming imagination and charm.
Scherzo Magazine
“Listening to Judith Jáuregui is, above all, a discovery of a leading artist, who plays without borders and finds her truth in musical power, but also in an overwhelming interiority.” Mediapart
Freddy Kempf
MoreKempf is a pianist in a million
The Arts Desk
Freddy Kempf is one of today’s most successful pianists performing to sell-out audiences all over the world. Exceptionally gifted with an unusually broad repertoire, Freddy has built a unique reputation as an explosive and physical performer who is not afraid to take risks as well as a serious, sensitive and profoundly musical artist.
Noriko Ogawa
More…pianism of the highest order
The Times
Noriko Ogawa has achieved considerable renown throughout the world. Appearing with all the major European, Japanese and US orchestras, as well as an extensive discography with BIS Records, Noriko’s highly acclaimed performances set her apart from her contemporaries.
Melvyn Tan
More... the most thoughtful, elegant and refined of pianists... one of those marvellous concerts where everything seemed to illuminate everything else.
The Guardian
Exploration, insight and imagination are vital ingredients in Melvyn Tan’s blend of artistic attributes. He established his international reputation in the 1980s with pioneering performances on the fortepiano and continues to cast fresh light on music conceived for the piano’s early and modern forms.
Piano Duo
Peter Donohoe & Noriko Ogawa
MorePeter Donohoe and Noriko Ogawa, two of Britain’s finest pianists, collaborate again to reaffirm their highly regarded working relationship, performing a wide variety of repertoire for two pianos.
Clarinet
Michael Collins
MoreBrilliant playing in every sense
Classic FM
As a leading conductor and exponent of the clarinet, Michael Collins is one of the most complete musicians of his generation.
Violin
Ellinor D’Melon
MoreD’Melon, in spite of her age, is one of those rare players who gives the impression that her command – both technical and musical – is total. […] Simply fabulous.
The Irish Times
Ellinor D’Melon is a violinist whose control, technical and musical, is absolutely total. She is forging a career as a violinist of the highest standing of her generation.
Thomas Gould
MoreThe staggeringly virtuosic Gould...his musicianship is enthralling. A talent to watch.
The Guardian
Thomas Gould performs as soloist with orchestras internationally, and in the UK he has performed with virtually all the major symphony orchestras in an unusually broad repertoire that includes many contemporary works. He also has considerable experience in Jazz performance.
Tai Murray
More" Technically flawless... vivacious and scintillating... It is without doubt that Murray’s style of playing is more mature than that of many seasoned players; and, with a debut record this outstanding, it can safely be assumed that she will exceed many expectations – she’s certainly exceeded mine. "
Muso Magazine
Described as "superb" by The New York Times, the former BBC New Generation Artist is an inspiring talent, appreciated for her elegance and effortless ability, mature phrasing and subtle sweetness.
Tamsin Waley-Cohen
More"Undeniably-fabulous playing"
Classical Source
Tamsin Waley-Cohen enjoys an adventurous and varied career. A former ECHO Rising Star her duo partners include Huw Watkins and James Baillieu.
Cello
Adolfo Gutiérrez Arenas
MoreCellist Adolfo Gutierrez Arenas’ impassioned voice made an immediate arresting impression with more than a hint of the pathos heard in the great cellists of the past, e.g., Casals and du Pré.
Herald Tribune
A cellist of exceptional ability, Adolfo Gutiérrez is one of the great figures of current Spanish music, with "one of the most incredibly attractive tones currently heard in the world".
Guy Johnston
More"A gripping performance"
New York Times
Guy Johnston is one of the most exciting British cellists of his generation.
Chamber Ensembles —
String quartet
Ligeti Quartet
MoreMagnificently vivid performances... sheer unadulterated exuberance
Gramophone
The Ligeti Quartet has been at the forefront of modern and contemporary music since its formation in 2010, breaking new ground through innovative programming and championing of today’s most exciting composers and artists.
Piatti Quartet
MoreThe Piatti Quartet are on ferociously fine form.
BBC Music Magazine
The Piatti Quartet are one of the most distinguished quartets of their generation. Prizewinners of the 2015 Wigmore Hall String Quartet Competition, they have performed in all the major venues and festivals around the country as well as concerts throughout the world.
Talich Quartet
Moresupreme performances...the interpretations are so organically and seamlessly imagined…
Gramophone
Founded in 1964, the Talich Quartet remains an emblem of the finest Czech musical tradition with international performances at the finest concert halls and chamber music festivals.
Piano trio
Trio Zadig
MoreThe climbs in power are lightning fast, the changes in character are abrupt, the silences are striking
Bachtrack
The multi-award winning Zadig Trio effortlessly command attention through their skillful virtuosity, elegant poise, and an infectious spirit that permeates every performance
Wind ensemble
London Winds
MoreLondon Winds are second to none in terms of technical accomplishment, expressive commitment and warmth of timbre.
BBC Music Magazine
A stunning combination of virtuoso players who also enjoy active solo careers, London Winds' performances are renowned for their technical brilliance, interpretative vision and joie de vivre.
Brass ensemble
Septura
MoreVirtuoso playing: glossy, brilliantly articulated, audaciously coloured, technically flawless.
Anna Picard, BBC Music Magazine
Septura brings together the UK’s top orchestral players, born out of a passion for the awe-inspiring sound of brass instruments. Their creation – the brass septet – is uniquely vibrant and versatile, and aims to harness its intense emotional power to produce transformative musical experiences for audiences around the world.
Chamber Orchestra
Orchestra of The Swan
MoreExcellence, innovation and accessibility from Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon. 'Orchestra of the Swan brings the music ear-catchingly alive'
GRAMOPHONE
One of the UK's leading Chamber Orchestras
Chamber Ensemble
Wigmore Soloists
MoreCollins is joined by newly formed ensemble Wigmore Soloists, the crème de la crème of chamber players who in this beautifully produced interpretation take a much-loved piece...
A new chamber ensemble comprising a roster of outstanding musicians, led by Michael Collins and Isabelle van Keulen, and created with Wigmore Hall’s Director, John Gilhooly.
Conductors —
Michael Collins
MoreBrilliant playing in every sense
Classic FM
As a leading conductor and exponent of the clarinet, Michael Collins is one of the most complete musicians of his generation.
Matthew Coorey
MoreConductor
Paul Goodwin
MoreGlowing perfection.
International Record Review
Paul Goodwin is renowned for his historically informed interpretations of music of all periods, his wide repertoire and his interest in contemporary music. He has a great passion for incorporating period style within the traditional orchestral world and creating unusual and dynamic programmes.
Thomas Kemp
MoreAn extraordinary event that came over brilliantly under the baton of Thomas Kemp
The Guardian
Champion of British repertoire and contemporary composers, Thomas Kemp, Music Director of Chamber Domaine, is an acclaimed conductor and artistic director renowned for his passionate advocacy and ground breaking programming that places contemporary music into its historical context.
Jason Lai
MoreHighest praise ultimately goes to conductor Lai...whose no-nonsense leadership and indefatigable energy oversaw this empowering concert.
THE STRAITS TIMES
Jason Lai is a leading light in a new generation of Asian conductors, and has recently been appointed Associate Conductor for both the Hong Kong Sinfonietta and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. He is also the Principal Conductor of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Orchestra and frequently appears with orchestras all over the world as a guest conductor.
Aleksandar Markovic
MoreThe music was broadcasting (the color) like a prism in direct sunlight! All of the score’s sweeping romance, elegant grandeur, and intimate melancholy was masterfully brought to life by conductor Aleksandar Marković.
John Carrol, Opera Wire
Aleksandar's passion and commitment to his work results in interpretations that are deeply moving, with intensely perceptible experiences for all who hear them.
Rebecca Miller
MoreIt is not possible to see the sparks, but you can certainly hear them.
Financial Times
Rebecca Miller, celebrated for her energetic and compelling presence on the podium, is a champion of unjustly-neglected female composers and renowned for her extensive work with young musicians. She was Chief Conductor of the Uppsala Chamber Orchestra from 2019-23 and takes up new posts with the Royal Orchestral Society and Orchestra of the Swan from September 2023.
Nicolae Moldoveanu
MoreMoldoveanu has found ways to interpret the work with subtle rubato, carefully timed phrasing, and tasteful adjustments to dynamics, and the ballet seems to be freshly revived with only the slightest of changes.
Blair Sanderson, All Music
Internationally-renowned conductor Nicolae Moldoveanu is known for his versatility, having conducted extensive opera and orchestral repertoire with many of the world's most prestigious orchestras and opera companies.
Ilyich Rivas
MoreRivas is incredibly clear and accurate and shows exactly what he wants and directs huge orchestral forces with much confidence and efficiency.
Frankfurter Neue Presse
Ilyich is one of the great conductors of his generation. "Rivas is incredibly clear and accurate and shows exactly what he wants, and directs huge orchestral forces with much confidence and efficiency."
Graham Ross
MoreTo say he's impressive would be an understatement
The Telegraph
Graham Ross is Director of Music of Clare College, Cambridge, and Principal Conductor/co-founder of The Dmitri Ensemble. A composer and conductor of a broad repertoire, he has had works performed throughout Europe and beyond.
Howard Williams
MoreHoward Williams conducts a most impressively authoritative performance.
Gramophone
Howard Williams, one of Britain’s most experienced conductors on the international platform, has covered a formidable range of work both in the opera house and concert hall. His exceptionally large symphonic repertoire is matched in the theatre by nearly a hundred opera and ballet titles and a love of orchestral and choral collaboration.
At a glance
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