A very special performance

AS soon as Ruth Rogers and Katherine Jenkinson began playing their Guarneri-family built violin and cello the evening became very special.

It turned out to be the most exhilarating event delivered by ravishing string players, most capably supported by Martin Cousins’ never-intrusive, never-overbearing contributions from the Yamaha piano.

As part of Leamington Music Education Programme, Aquinas led an afternoon workshop. I cannot imagine a better way to set youngsters alight to the joys of classical music than an afternoon with this beautiful, adrenalin-filled, mischievous trio. You certainly wouldn’t hear me complaining – pity more local schools failed to take up the invitation.

Ruth and Katherine are very fine technicians, playing wonderful instruments and looking as if they enjoy their work. Both showed wit, tact - and a little naughtiness - as Martinu’s variations on a theme of Rossini was described by Katherine as becoming “progressively ludicrous”. With appropriate facial expressions, Katherine drove the piece to the furious musical striptease finish.

Ruth played the instantly recognisable Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso by Saint-Saens with much elegance and care.

Finding time to record CDs is always a challenge. The next six months will see the trio work with Andrew Keener to produce a recording of Mendelssohn’s two piano trios, D minor Opus 49 (1839) and C minor Opus 66 (1845). What a treat in store - can’t wait to read the reviews. We heard the Opus 66 – some of it quite electrifying, with lovely melodies and Michael enjoying himself with luxuriant flourishes in the scherzo.

Thanks to the sustained support by Betty and Roy Harris, we were treated to a very special occasion.

Clive Peacock