Philip Higham, Cello and Alasdair Beatson, Piano in Linlithgow

Programme:

J.S. Bach: Sonata in G, BWV 1027 for viola da gamba and cembalo (1740)

Beethoven: Sonata in F, Op.5 No.1(1796)

MacMillan: Sonata No.2 (2000)

Poulenc: Sonata, Op.143 pour violoncello et piano (1948)

Philip Higham,  from Edinburgh, studied at St Mary's Music School and subsequently at the RNCM. He also enjoyed mentoring from Steven Isserlis. In 2008 he became the first UK cellist to win 1st Prize in the Bach Leipzig competition, and followed it with major prizes in 2009 Lutoslawski Competition, and the 2010 Grand Prix Emmanuel Feuermann in Berlin. He was selected for representation by Young Classical Artist Trust between 2009 and 2014. He has appeared as soloist with the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Hallé Orchestra (broadcast by BBC Radio 3), the Royal Northern Sinfonia and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. He has given recitals at the Wigmore Hall, Brighton Festival and Lichfield Festival, and further afield in Germany, Istanbul and Washington DC. In 2014 he performed the complete Bach Suites in Tokyo, and again at Wigmore Hall in 2017. Philip was appointed Principal Cello of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in 2016. He plays a fine Milanese cello by Carlo Giuseppe Testore, made in 1697, and is grateful for continued support from Harriet's Trust.

Scottish pianist Alasdair Beatson works prolifically as soloist and chamber musician, adept on modern and historical instruments, and renowned as both performer and pedagogue. Notable performances in 2022/23 include regular appearances at Wigmore Hall, in concert with Steven Isserlis, Viktoria Mullova, the Doric and Maxwell string quartets, as member of the Nash Ensemble, and in festivals including Cheltenham, Ernen, Festivalta, Lewes, O/Modernt, Resonances, Spitalfields and Yellowbarn. Alasdair teaches solo piano at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and mentors for the London-based Chamber Studio.