The English violinist Albert Sammons made extraordinary contributions in the development of works by British composers, during the early 20th Century. Along with an illustrated talk, this recital explores Sammons’ significant exchanges with composers, and his unique interpretations in the violin sonatas by Delius, Elgar and Ireland.
Midori Komachi (violin) has performed as a soloist and chamber musician extensively throughout Europe and Japan. Described as 'hugely gifted soloist of the younger generation' (The Quarterly Review), Midori has appeared in some of the world's prestigious venues, including Tonhalle Zurich, Tokyo Opera City Hall, Muza Kawasaki (Japan), Philharmony Warsaw, Wigmore Hall, Rector's Palace (Croatia).
Over recent years Midori has developed several projects based on the works by British composers. Her 'Delius and Gauguin' project, which was supported by Arts Council England and featured on major publications such as the 'Nikkei' Newspaper (Financial Times) in Japan, led to the release of her debut Album ‘Colours of the Heart’ (2014). Midori has been broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, and her performances have gained critical acclaim; “Sensitive accounts of music full of sensual allure...[Komachi] judges the sleek, neo-Classical lines of Ravel’s 1928 Sonata to perfection”(The Strad). Midori's 2nd Album is due to be released with EM Records in April 2017.
Midori is a recipient of numerous prizes, including the Hattori Foundation Junior Award, 1st Prize at competitions Max Pirani Prize and Sir Arthur Bliss Prize, as well as receiving the Friends of RAM/Honorary Patrons' Development Award and MBF Emerging Excellence Award. As an active chamber musician, she has recorded for Metier, Naxos and RAM Labels, and frequently plays with Longbow Ensemble alongside the Kreutzer Quartet.
Since 2012, Midori has also been dedicated to developing cultural exchanges between UK and Japan, working with composers from both countries, and bringing contemporary music closer to the audience. The 'Harmony of Cultural Sounds' Project, led to series of workshops with composers such as Nicola LeFanu and Yuka Takechi, and in the recent years she has worked with Toshio Hosokawa, Paul Patterson and David Matthews.
Midori has written articles on 20th Century British composers for publication, and is a writer for an online column 'London Studio' (Studio 18 Japan), introducing British music to the audience in Japan.
Simon Callaghan's (piano) recent engagements have included Wigmore Hall, Royal Festival Hall and Birmingham Symphony Hall. He has performed throughout the UK, Asian and Europe and has been featured on BBC TV and radio.
Simon has an extensive concerto repertoire and has worked with many orchestras including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestras. In chamber music he has performed with the Maggini, Sacconi and Carducci Quartets, Thomas Gould, Jack Liebeck and the actors Timothy and Samuel West and Prunella Scales.
Simon’s next CD will be his concerto debut on the Hyperion label, featuring world premiere recordings of the Roger Sacheverell Coke concertos with Martyn Brabbins and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. His discography also includes solo works by Parry, Bennett and Coke, as well as chamber music by Delius, Brahms, Ravel and Debussy.
In addition to his performing schedule he is also Director of Music at Conway Hall in London.