Biographies

Festival President

Debbie Wiseman OBE

One of the UK’s most successful female music ambassadors, Debbie is in demand as a composer and conductor……. Read more

Festival Artistic Director
Philip Dukes – Viola

“Great Britain’s most outstanding solo viola player.” – The Times……Read more

Composer-in-Association
David Bednall

David has been invited to compose  a Sonata for viola and piano (RVW in memoriam) to have its world premiere at the festival……Read more

Artists

James Gilchrist – Tenor

At the age of eight I came home from school one day and informed my parents that I was now in the local church choir……...Read More

Jack Liebeck – Violin

“His playing is virtually flawless in its technical ease, scintillating articulateness and purity of tone.” (Gramophone)………..Read more

Rita Manning – Violin

Rita studied at the Royal Academy of Music and in Frieburg, Germany. On her return to London she was awarded the ‘Young Artist’s Platform Award’…..Read more

Hannah Dawson – Violin

Hannah was very fortunate to be born into a house full of music. At that time, her mother was a violinist in the LPO….Read more

Robin Ashwell – Viola

Robin is well known as the viola player of the Sacconi Quartet, one of the UK’s finest string quartets.  With the Quartet, he made his Wigmore Hall debut …..Read More

Cara Berridge – Cello

Playing in the Sacconi Quartet takes up most of Cara’s life, rehearsing, performing, writing emails etc!…..Read More

Justin Pearson – Cello

Justin is one of London’s busiest and most versatile musicians. He is principal cellist and artistic director of The National Symphony Orchestra (UK), guest principal…….Read More

Chris Laurence – Double Bass

Chris Laurence was born in London and studied at the Guildhall School of Music. He has maintained a dual career in both jazz and classical music….Read More

Anna Tilbrook – Piano

Anna is one of Britain’s most exciting pianists, with a considerable reputation in song recitals and chamber music. She made her debut at the Wigmore Hall…….Read more

Paul Turner – Piano

“A wise and sensitive pianist” (Gower Festival).

“…superbly partnered by Paul Turner’s sensitive and alert accompaniments…that sixth sense of timing which is the true accompanist’s particular gift” (Eastern Daily Press)… …Read more

Richard Morrison – Music Critic

Richard is the chief music critic and chief cultural writer of The Times. He has worked in journalism since……….Read More