The hottest Romanian cellist of the moment and one of the most charismatic young pianists join forces for a musical sojourn infused by pathos, subtlety and consummate artistry, featuring works by Dvořák, Fauré, Schumann and John Ireland. The recital, taking place in one of the most beautiful churches in London, is supported by the Archery Concert Productions in association with 'The John Ireland Trust' and the Romanian Cultural Institute.
Răzvan Suma is one of the most important cello soloists in Romania today. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degree from the Music University in Bucharest, and studied at Longy School of Music in Cambrige, Massachusets, in the Artist Diploma Program. He attended master classes with great cellists like Arto Noras, Frans Helmerson, Herre Jan Stegenga, Miklos Pereny, Marin Cazacu and Radu Aldulescu. He performed with over 30 orchestras throughout Europe and next to very important musicians, such as Maxim Vengerov, Alexander Sitkovetski, Borromeo Quartet, Misha Katz, Jin Wang, Cristian Mandeal or Marin Cazacu. Since 2010, Răzvan has been the Cello Soloist of the Romanian Radio Orchestras. Since 2011, he has been touring every year in Romania with 'Vă place...?' ('Do you like...?'/ 'Aimez-vous...?') project. The first edition of the tour - 'Aimez-vous Bach?' - was conceived around J.S. Bach - The Six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello. Răzvan Suma is a member of the Cellissimo Quartet, together with Marin Cazacu, Alexandra Guţu and Octavian Lup. He is also playing in duo with Spanish pianist Josu Okiñena, with whom he recorded, in 2007, the two J. Brahms sonatas for piano and cello. Răzvan is playing on a Charles Adolph Maucotell cello, built in Paris in 1849, the former instrument of the great cellist Pierre Fournier.
Romanian born award-winning pianist Rebeca Omordia graduated from Bucharest's National Music University in 2006 and then was awarded scholarships to Birmingham Conservatoire and Trinity College. After winning the 2009 Delius Prize, she formed a 5-year partnership with Julian Lloyd Webber, performing at the Wigmore Hall and Kings Place, at St James's Palace, at Highgrove for the Prince's Trust, at Guildhall Portsmouth, Barnes Festival, William Alwyn Festival and for several BBC Radio 3 broadcasts. Described by Birmingham Post as 'a pianist willing to take risks', Rebeca has performed as a soloist in prestigious venues in Europe and the USA including the Wigmore Hall in London, the White Hall in Helsinki, the Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest, and the British Music Society, John Ireland Trust and Ralph Vaughan Williams Society. She has performed several times on BBC Radio 3, on Romanian National Radio and has appeared on Romanian National Cultural Television Channel. This year's highlights include Bradfield Festival with Classical FM saxophonist Amy Dickson, John Ireland's 'Legend' with Ealing Symphony Orchestra, the African Musical Arts Chamber Music Initiative in St Louis, USA, and a series of performances of John Ireland's Piano Sonata in the UK, as well as in her native Romania. Rebeca will record her debut CD for AMP Records in St Louis, USA, to be released late 2015.
When: Friday 21 August, 1.10 pm
Where: St James Piccadilly, 197 Picadilly, London W1J 9LL
This lunchtime concert is free and no ticket is required.
