Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, Piano & Desiree Abbey, Cello

Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, Piano
1 PM & 7.30 PM, WED, 10 APRIL 2024
Like Clara Schumann or Sofia Coppola, pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason comes from one of those families of artistic super-whizzes. Her brother stunned an audience of two billion when he played at Meghan and Harry’s royal wedding. Her six siblings are all gifted classical musicians. Together, they sailed through Britain’s Got Talent, making it to the semi-finals. It’s a totally wild bio, we know.

Not just an ensemble player, the 20-year-old soloist is already catching the attention of The Guardian, BBC Music Magazine, and Decca Classics. With guest conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson she performs Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major. Artistic Director of Philadelphia’s Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra and recipient of so many major honours, Johnson is a trailblazer who’s collaborated with the likes of Jay Z, Alicia Keys and The Roots.

Desiree Abbey, Cello
7.30 PM, WED, 17 APRIL 2024

Beaming with rare talent and a warm presence Desiree Abbey has regularly appeared as our principal cellist for many years. She holds a Master of Music from the New School, has performed at Carnegie Hall, toured Europe, and appeared as a soloist across North America. It’s in that role that the indispensable Desi appears at this concert with Jean-Marie Zeitouni, one of Canada’s brightest conducting talents.

Desi premieres a cello concerto written for her by the Jamaican Canadian composer Ted Runcie. His brilliant work, swimming in the cello’s mellow tones, pairs perfectly with Schubert’s Quintet in C Major. Schubert’s final—and arguably best—work fluttering and Mozart-like but definitely not light, and Zeitouni’s inspired arrangement brings out all its sublime qualities.

For tickets and more information, please visit HERE!