BRITISH
WOMEN COMPOSERS
Holy
Trinity Church, Royal Leamington Spa
It’s very rare that I review video links, but this one has
just reached me of a highly promising cello-and-piano duo, Chinese students at
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, who organised a lunchtime recital a couple of
months ago in this church which has such a strong musical tradition.
And cellist Zimin Cheng and pianist Jinshuo Zhang didn’t let
these august surroundings down, delivering a meticulously-rehearsed programme
of Doreen Carwithen (at last emerging from undeserved obscurity), Elisabeth
Maconchy (already an established presence) and the acquired taste which is Dame
Ethel Smyth.
Helped by a welcoming introduction from Jinshuo, the
performers created a receptive atmosphere, proceeding to perform with a natural
rapport and sense of balance. Well-weighted piano chording supported
smoothly-delivered cello lines, both players bringing a controlled vigour to more
extrovert passages.
This is a partnership which has much to offer, and certainly
one to watch out for. I would advise them to take more commanding possession of
the stage from their very first entrance, choreographing their acknowledgement
of the audience applause, and similarly so at the conclusion. These two are set
to become a sought-after presence on the concert-club schedule.
Christopher Morley