Tashmina Artists

Lucy Gould (violin), Robert Plane (clarinet), Richard Lester (cello) and Benjamin Frith (piano) This partnership, first brought together for a performance of Messiaen’s ‘Quartet for the End of Time’, stretches back through 25 years of experience. “The Gould Trio … with clarinettist Robert Plane, achieved a perfect balance of structural exactitude and lyricism.”
 — The Guardian, Rian Evans

Goran Krivokapić and Danijel Cerović Goran Krivokapić & Danijel Cerović perform frequently at eminent venues worldwide, and have released two CDs for Naxos, heralded as “absolutely essential”. “…precision of ensemble, the clarity of articulation, the rhythmic vitality and the exuberant ornamentation” — Gramophone, William Yeoman

Simon Callaghan and Hiroaki Takenouchi This thriving piano duo combines the talents of Simon Callaghan and Hiroaki Takenouchi, who perform a broad range of duo repertoire for two pianos or one. “Simon Callaghan and Hiroaki Takenouchi … play with such love, panache, and exact synchronisation”
 — BBC Music Magazine, Geoff Brown

Piano Heralded by The Times as “just the sort of champion the newest of new music needs”, Takenouchi has a deep curiosity and a natural penchant for integrity. “Hiroaki Takenouchi … is impeccable in his pianism and unfailing in his idiomatic grasp.”
 — Gramophone, David Fanning

Huw Wiggin, Ellie McMurray, José Bañuls and Shevaughan Beere As one of Britain’s leading young sax quartets, the Ferios’ frequent concerts and recent discs for Chandos have received deservedly wide critical acclaim. “What’s immediately striking about this disc is the tonal subtlety and expressiveness of the Ferios’ playing … their phrasing is buoyant and lyrical; slow impressionistic passages … are lucidly and atmospherically voiced … the artistry of the performances is beyond question.” 
— Gramophone Magazine, Richard Bratby

Mezzo Soprano and Guitar Karina and Rory present a wonderful programme of English and Spanish songs for mezzo-soprano and guitar.

Francesco Sica (violin), Claude Frochaux (cello) and Irina Botan (piano) Formed in 2008, the trio has performed in major concert halls around the world, and released two CDs, the first chosen as Stereo Magazine’s CD of the Month. “The outstanding musicians of Monte Piano Trio capture in an extraordinary way the soul of these wonderful pieces; they delight their listeners with insightful, vivid and highly structured interpretations which also exhibit a perfect technical mastery.”
 — Rondo Magazine, Michael Wersin

Described by BBC Radio 3 as “the saviour of contemporary classical music”, George Vass is Artistic Director of the Presteigne Festival and Orchestra Nova. “Under the alert and responsive direction of conductor George Vass, to whom the score is dedicated, the Nova Music Opera Ensemble brought out the melodic and rhythmic felicities of the score. Virtuosic elements were never underplayed, yet the emotional arc of the opera’s 13 unbroken scenes was of paramount importance, cogently presented in a polished yet spontaneous-sounding reading.” 
— Opera Magazine (Nova Music Opera, Cheltenham Festival, 2018)

Clarinet Principal clarinet of the BBC National Orchestra, Rob is particularly known for performances and recordings of magnificent English repertoire for clarinet. “A highly accomplished, indeed commanding performance of Finzi’s gorgeous Clarinet Concerto from Robert Plane. With his bright, singing tone and effortless technical mastery, Plane leaves a stylish impression…”
 — Gramophone, Andrew Achenbach

Konrad Elias-Trostmann (violin), Vladimir Waltham (cello) and Prach Boondiskulchok (piano) With a rich and varied cultural and musical background, the Linos Piano Trio is increasingly recognised as one of Europe’s most creative and dynamic trios. “the ensemble between these three players was superb … a slow-burning, gripping performance, the playing rich and passionate … performed with control and tonal intensity … the players brought brilliance and élan”
 — The Strad Magazine

Viola Rachel Roberts is one of Europe's leading violists and performs internationally as soloist and chamber musician. “… Roberts’ beautifully expressive tone … offering countless felicities of phrasing … powerful and projecting” — The Strad Magazine

Violin Canadian violinist Katie Stillman’s career encompasses a wide variety of solo work, chamber music, orchestral performing and teaching. “sensitive and passionate musicianship matched by an excellent technique, the result being utterly persuasive performances”
 — Philip Dukes

Violin and Piano Having begun their partnership as students at RNCM, Katie and Simon celebrated their 10th anniversary as a duo in 2015, and continue to be highly regarded. “Stillman and Lane … combined tenderness, wistful nostalgia and red-blooded passion in an interpretation of terrific distinction and compelling emotional force.”
 — The Daily Telegraph, Geoffrey Norris

Saxophone and Harp This talented young duo was formed after a well-received joint concert at the Stogumber Festival, and is featured on Huw’s disc ‘Reflections’. “I was particularly struck by the Debussy arrangements, ‘Arabesque No. 1’ and ‘The Girl with the Flaxen Hair’, where Wiggin is partnered by Oliver Wass’s harp. A seemingly unlikely combination that works real magic.”
 — Planet Hugill, Robert Hugill (reviewing ‘Reflections’ CD)

Michael Baker, Vasilis Bessas, James Jervis and Rory Russell Among the world's leading guitar quartets, the dynamic and innovative Aquarelle Guitar Quartet is known for extraordinary ensemble and expansive repertoire. “If one guitar quartet can give a traditional string quartet a run for its money in terms of abundant technique and breath-taking artistry, it is the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet.”
 — International Record Review, Robert Levett

Amy Tress (violin), William Newell (violin), Alistair Vennart (viola) and Stephanie Tress (cello) Winner of the 2014 ROSL Ensemble Competition, the Solem Quartet was formed in 2011 at Manchester University, and takes its name from the university’s motto. “heartfelt brio and winningly understated virtuosity … in a performance that was personable, and brimming with accomplishment and cohesion” 
— Scunthorpe Concert Society, Clive Davies

Saxophone Commonwealth Musician of the Year and Gold Medal winner of the 2014 ROSL Annual Music Competition, Huw is one of the leading saxophonists of his generation. “a keen musical intelligence and a remarkably beautiful sound … Wiggin brings dazzling flair and imagination to his performance”
 — BBC Music Magazine, Kate Wakeling

Violin and Guitar Daniel and Alberto met at the Kuhmo Festival some years ago and discovered a shared love of the lyrical and colourful repertoire for violin and guitar. “Rowland and Mesirca supply sparkling, virtuosic performances … some of the finest chamber music on guitar you can expect to hear … the finest performances I’ve ever heard [of works by Paganini and Giuliani].”
 — American Record Guide, Kenneth Keaton

Clarice Assad (voice and piano), Michael Baker, Vasilis Bessas, James Jervis and Rory Russell This exciting collaboration, rooted in a long friendship and formed in late 2018, presents an eclectic programme full of rhythm, energy, humour and emotion.

Clarinet and Piano Described as “a sympathetic and imaginative partnership”, this duo brings together two great talents and can be heard on Orchid Classics disc ‘Reflections’. “Marcello’s Concerto in D minor (originally for oboe) works splendidly, and Lenehan deftly conjures the crispness of a fortepiano in his accompaniment, while in Manuel de Falla’s ‘7 Canciones populates españolas’ Wiggin brings both silk and spice to his vibrant interpretation.”
 — BBC Music Magazine, Kate Wakeling (reviewing ‘Reflections’ CD)

Clarinet Described as a “blazing talent” by the Times, Orpen is Principal Clarinet of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and Aurora Orchestra (founding member). “consummate taste… the sound was warm, full and immediately engaging, the sort of sound that needs no vibrato to give it interest”
 — Clarinet & Saxophone Magazine

Karel Bredenhorst (cello) and Simon Callaghan (piano) Having met in 2013, Karel Bredenhorst and Simon Callaghan, as Duo Verzaro, give frequent recitals on the continent and in the UK, and have released two CDs. “primordial musicality and a flawless technique”
 — Trouw (Netherlands), Frederike Berntsen

Violin and Cello Daniel Rowland forms this exceptional duo with the superb Serbian-French cellist Maja Bogdanovic, described as “fiery, eloquent and fervent” by the Strad.

Robin Browning is an established conductor, performer and music-educator; he is a passionate advocate for music and for the arts in general. “Unlike many conductors, [Robin] possesses innate and totally convincing authority together with an admirable sense of structure. It was a rare pleasure to make music with such an assured and very gifted musician.” — John Lill, Pianist

Kathryn Thomas (flute), Owen Dennis (oboe), Katherine Spencer (clarinet), Richard Bayliss (horn) and Helen Storey (bassoon) Former BBC New Generation Artists, the Galliard Ensemble is established as one of Britain’s leading chamber groups, and has an expansive repertoire. “the finesse and vitality that have become the Galliard’s hallmarks … the Galliard’s excellent playing, well-balanced and full of character, gives a boost of ebullience and elegance”
 — Gramophone, Geoffrey Norris

Harp Winner of the Harp Finals at the 2003 Royal National Eisteddfod of Wales Competition, Louise has gone on to forge a prestigious and varied solo career. “Louise Thomson is a consummate performer. Fluid technique combined with beautiful artistry, compelling programmes, excellent and clear spoken introductions and a personality that audiences love.” 
— Craig Ogden

Violin Stift Festival founder and director, Daniel has established himself on the international scene as a highly-versatile, charismatic and adventurous performer. “Daniel Rowland has a powerful, glamorous tone, gleaming at the top and throaty and rugged down at the bottom.”
 — Gramophone, Richard Bratby

Mezzo Soprano and Piano Karina and Simon were recommended in Making Music’s Concert Promoters Network Brochure 2009-10 and released their first disc on the Sonimage label in 2011. “In tandem with the rhythmically acute Simon Lane, [Karina Lucas] catches alike the tender innocence of 'Nature', the quizzical playfulness of 'Dear March, come in!' and 'Going to Heaven', and the heavy foreboding of 'I felt a funeral in my rain', with its churning, tolling accompaniment.”
 — Gramophone, Richard Wigmore

Violin and Piano This partnership brings together two of the most exciting, adventurous and colourful artists performing today; they have released two CDs to great acclaim. “Daniel Rowland and Natacha Kudritskaya prove to be the perfect partnership and give an exquisite performance.” 
— BBC Music Magazine, Elinor Cooper

Piano Steinway Artist Simon Callaghan has a diverse collaborative and solo career, has released two discs for Hyperion, and is Director of Music at Conway Hall. “Simon Callaghan extracts every ounce of eloquence and fantasy from this intriguing repertoire.” 
— Gramophone, Andrew Achenbach