Monday 6th April 2009: Fenella Barton (violin) and Katya Apekisheva (piano)

Programme:

Beethoven: Kreutzer Sonata
Schubert: Fantasy
Part: Fratrer

Fenella Barton is a young and dynamic player whose sensibility and lyricism captivate her audience.

Fenella has played extensively in the UK , Europe and the USA as chamber musician and recitalist. Fenella has also broadcast as a soloist on B.B.C. radio 3, given solo performances at Los Angeles Monday Evening Chamber Concert Series, Cheltenham, Huddersfield , Aldeburgh and Manchester Festivals, Snape Proms, Dartington Hall and the New Delhi British Council.

Born in Moscow into a family of musicians, Katya Apekisheva started to play the piano at the age of five and a year later entered the famous Gnessin School of Music where she was taught by Ada Traub and Anna Kantor. In 1996 she won sixth prize at the Leeds International Piano Competition.The same year she was London Philharmonic/Pioneer Young Soloist of the Year which led to performances with London Philharmonic Orchestra.

In following years, Katya was presented with Terence Judd Award for the Most Outstanding Pianist of the Year and took second prize at the Scottish International piano competition. She also won Schubert prize at the AXA Dublin Piano Competition.

Katya is a frequent guest at festivals … working with such orchestras as London Philharmonic, CBSO, Philharmonia, Halle, Moscow Philharmonic ,and with such conductors as Alexander Lazarev, David Shallon, Alexander Rudin and sir Simon Rattle.

Reviews: Fenella Barton (Violin)

“.. gifted and decisive “ - The Strad

“ well poised and vivacious …she was a joy to hear and behold .” - Manchester Evening News

“Violinist Fenella Barton really steals the show in the second movement. She evokes the sadness Chambers imbues the tune in this setting as a “mountain lament” and plays with flawless intonation…Barton's sensitive and stirring playing takes center stage, as it should” about Anglosax - Sounds Like Now

“… impeccable ensemble…. I was riveted by the gorgeous sound combinations these players could achieve, enhanced by each others' undoubted virtuosity.” - The Strad  

Reviews: Katya Apekisheva (Piano)

"...Her power and temperament remind me of Martha Argerich..." - Nezavisimaya Gazeta, Moscow

"...Astute colours and brilliant technique..." - The Times

"...This was a performance of considerable insight and brilliance; an account that was beyond criticism. Katya Apekisheva is a very fine artist indeed whose future career should be closely followed..." - Robert Matthew-Walker, Musical Opinion

"... Beethoven Concerto to intrigue and impress...It was an auspicious evening..." - Manchester Evening News, performance with Halle Orchestra

"...Most outstanding...superbly controlled technique and commanding musicality throughout... astonishing..." - Yorkshire Post at the Leeds Piano Competition