In 1990 Richard won a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, studying ‘cello with Raphael Wallfisch and William Pleeth and conducting with Alan Hazeldine. He graduated with Distinction in 1994 and was awarded the Guildhall's coveted Gold Medal for a performance of the Dvořák ‘cello Concerto in the Barbican. 1995 led to a very productive partnership with the pianist Benjamin Frith, including recitals at London's Wigmore Hall, King’s Place and South Bank Centre. The duo has given many recitals together which recently have included performances of Beethoven’s complete works for piano and cello with the academic Richard Wigmore. Richard and Ben have made several recordings including Stanford for the Somm label and works by Ivor Gurney, Cyril Scott and Ian Venables for the Emm label.

PROGRAMME

Beethoven cello and piano works discussed

Beethoven: Sonata no.1 Op.5 no.1 in F major

Beethoven: Sonata no.2 Op.5 no.2 in G minor

Beethoven: 12 Variations on a Theme from Handel's "See the conquering Hero" from Judas Maccabaeus, WoO45

Beethoven: Sonata no.3 Op. 69 in A major

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