Programme:
J. S. Bach, Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam, Cantata BWV 7, Movement 1G.
F. Handel, Violin Sonata in D major, HWV 371 (Op. 1 No. 4)
J. S. Bach, Des Vaters Stimme ließ sich hören, Aria from Cantata BWV 7, Movement 4
Johann Severin Svendsen, Romance in G major, Op. 26
Maurice Ravel, Deux mélodies hébraïques (“Two Hebrew Songs”)
Joseph Achron, Hebrew Melody, Op. 33
Maurice Ravel, Tzigane, Rhapsodie de Concert
Mathilde Milwidsky
Praised as a 2023 Classic FM Rising Star and dubbed “One to Watch” by Gramophone magazine, British violinist Mathilde Milwidsky is a magnetic presence on stage. The Strad’s Charlotte Gardner highlights her “perfect intonation and beautiful shaping and colouring, comprehensively nailing each new stylistic and emotional universe.” Her artistry earned her a place as the only British violinist in the 2024 Queen Elisabeth Violin Competition, where Le Soir celebrated her performance for its “mastery and musicality.”
Mathilde’s accolades include third prize plus a special award at the prestigious 2019 Windsor Festival International String Competition, and invitations to the Verbier Festival Academy in 2021 and 2022 as one of only seven violinists worldwide. She has performed in iconic venues — Wigmore Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Cadogan Hall, and more — and featured on major radio stations such as BBC Radio 3 and Scala Radio.
As a champion of new music, she’s collaborated with composers like Sally Beamish, Joseph Phibbs, and Deborah Pritchard, premiering bold and heartfelt works. Mathilde’s debut album (2020) on Toccata Classics introduced three previously undiscovered sonatas, and her latest Guild Records release earned five stars for its emotional depth and technical brilliance.
Viv McLean
British pianist Viv McLean is an award-winning artist whose playing has been hailed as “possessing the genius one finds in those who know how to forget themselves.” Since winning First Prize at the Maria Canals International Piano Competition in Barcelona, he has performed across the UK, Europe, Japan, Australia and the USA.
His concerto appearances include collaborations with major orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Hallé Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra and the BBC Concert Orchestra, among others.
Viv is also a sought-after chamber musician, working with leading ensembles including the YSAYE String Quartet, Sacconi String Quartet, London Mozart Players Chamber Ensemble, Ensemble 360 and the Adderbury Ensemble, among others.