Shirley Smart's Quanta

Shirley Smart - cello

Tobie Medland - violin

Ben Smith - piano

An innovative piano trio blending classical masterworks with cross-genre improvisation across jazz, folk, and original compositions. Featuring three of the UK’s leading classical improvisers, Quanta brings a fresh, contemporary approach to the traditional piano trio recital format.

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Shirley Smart – Cello

Recognised as one of the UK’s most creative cellists, Shirley Smart seamlessly bridges classical, jazz, and Middle Eastern traditions. Trained under Raphael Wallfisch and Janos Starker, as well as alongside Avishai Cohen and Yasmin Levy, later collaborating with Mulatu Astatke and Neil Cowley. Following her critically acclaimed trio album Long Story Short, her festival appearances include the EFG London Jazz Festival and Cheltenham Festival. She also teaches at the Royal College of Music and Trinity Laban.

Tobie Medland – Violin

London-born violinist, composer, and Royal College of Music alumnus Tobie Medland is the founder and curator of the Gypsy Jazz Festival of London. He performs alongside Europe’s top Gypsy Jazz icons, including Fapy Lafertin and Stochelo Rosenberg—and leads his ensemble The Aviary, which debuted its first album at London’s Vortex Jazz Club.

Ben Smith – Piano

Acclaimed as one of "the finest new-music pianists in London" (Tempo) with "extraordinary precision and insight" (The Guardian), Ben Smith is a specialist in contemporary and experimental repertoire. A former Junior Fellow at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, he has delivered dozens of world premieres at prestigious venues including Wigmore Hall, Barbican Hall, and the Royal Opera House, alongside work as Associate MD on Operation Mincemeat.

Description supplied by the event organiser.