Richard Harwood - cellist

The second in a series of three concerts celebrating the Polish genius Frédéric Chopin. A virtuoso pianist himself, Chopin’s œuvre – of which every work involves the piano – is universally admired to this day. After her acclaimed performances in 2023, French pianist Elizabeth Sombart makes a welcome return to Cadogan Hall with a programme of delightful contrasts. Works for solo piano by Chopin are set off by quintet arrangements of much-loved Mozart piano concertos for which Elizabeth is joined by String Principals of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Chopin himself appears in different guises: expressive and melodic (Nocturne), bittersweet and patriotic (Mazurka), didactic, yet still with depth and feeling (Étude). “A noted Chopin exponent for many years… Sombart’s playing is superb: technically precise but possessing a flexibility and freedom that lets the music breathe.” (The Observer) PROGRAMME Schubert Klavierstück No. 2 Mozart Piano Concerto No. 9 in E flat major (quintet version) ~ Interval ~ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Op. 27 Chopin Mazurka No. 3 Op. 63 Chopin Étude No. 7 in C sharp minor, Op. 25 Mozart Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major (quintet version) PERFORMERS Elizabeth Sombart piano Duncan Riddell violin Andrew Storey violin Abigail Fenna viola Richard Harwood cello