Artists: Steven Isserlis cello Connie Shih piano Programme: Beethoven Variations on Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen , Op. 66 Schumann Violin Sonata No.2, Op.121 (arr. Isserlis) Schumann Fantasiestücke Op.73 Brahms Cello Sonata No.2 in F, Op.99 Steven Isserlis enjoys an international career as a soloist, chamber musician, author, educator, and broadcaster. He performs with the world’s greatest ensembles and has given many world premieres. His award-winning discography includes the J S Bach suites and Beethoven’s complete works for cello and piano, and he received Grammy nominations for his recordings of Haydn’s concertos and Martinů’s sonatas. His latest disc, recital repertoire based on the year 1851, was released in 2026. As an author, his latest book is an acclaimed companion to the Bach cello suites, while his two books for children about music are among the genre’s most popular. He has also authored a commentary on Schumann’s Advice for Young Musicians. He was awarded a CBE in 1998. International recognition includes the Piatigorsky Prize (USA) and the Glashütte Original Music Festival Award (Germany). He plays the 1726 Marquis de Corberon Stradivarius, loaned by the Royal Academy of Music. Connie Shih has been described as an exceptional artist. Her hallmarks are her impeccable pianism and outstanding ensemble skills. She made her orchestral debut with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra aged 9, and in 1993 was awarded the Sylva Gelber Prize for the most outstanding classical artist under the age of 30. In addition to international performances as a soloist with orchestras she gives recitals worldwide, and as a chamber music partner she is sought after by many artists. She regularly performs with Steven Isserlis on the world’s greatest stages and they have recorded much of the cello repertoire. Since 2022 she has been Professor of Piano and Piano Chamber Music at the Salzburg Mozarteum. She has given masterclasses at prestigious music institutes and was a lecturer at the Mozarteum Summer Academy, the Casalmaggiore International Festival and Musiktage am Rhein.

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