RENOWNED cellist Julian Lloyd Webber is bringing five talented young musicians to Bromsgrove’s Artrix for a night of extraordinary musicianship which will delight classical fans.
Julian, who has been the principal at the Birmingham Conservatoire for the last 18 months, has hand-picked the players and will host the evening, introducing each one of the musicians.
Pianists Domonkos Csabay and Luigi Carroccia, soprano Caroline Modiba, clarinetist Luke English, and violinist Yu Mien Sun are five of the Conservatoire’s most promising musicians.
Speaking to The Standard ahead of the show at 7.30pm on Wednesday (March 29) Julian said the ticket prices were inexpensive for the level of talent performing.
“The pieces are challenging for the players but not there is nothing too taxing or difficult for the audience to listen to.
Julian said the show came at an exciting time for the city which was moving to a purpose-built section of Birmingham City University.
“It’s an incredible leap of faith for the university – it’s the first purpose-built conservatoire for a generation and could even be the last one.
“We are moving into a wonderful new building and we are merging with the school of acting which also has its advantages.
“We want to make it a conservatoire for the people.”
He said the fully functional digital studios had amazing facilities adding Birmingham already had a great reputation for music and this would enhance it further, really putting the city and its musicians on the map.
He said as well as musical skills, the conservatoire also ensured its students became well-rounded, down-to-earth individuals so they could thrive and fulfil their potential.
“It’s just as important for them to get an all rounded education and find out what the World is all about.
“It’s too easy when you start such difficult performances to lose touch with the real world and the real world is the one we live in.”
In April 2014, after a neck injury meant he would be unable to continue to perform to the level he had done in the past, Julian announced his retirement.
He said: “I had a very difficult year and I still do miss playing the cello but this job doesn’t give me any time to miss playing.”
After speaking to us, Julian was due to fly out to Japan and South Korea to promote the conservatoire and to build up relationships in those countries.
The five performing in Bromsgrove on Wednesday will be bringing the audience a variety of classics, including works by Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Schubert, Strauss, Mozart, Bartok and more.
Tickets for the performance will be £12 (£10 concessions – under 16s and students).
They are available, along with more information about the show, from www.artrix.co.uk or by calling 01527 577330.
