It has been a jam-packed week at Breinton. To complete a busy schedule of three recitals in 8 days, we hosted the cello and piano duo of Sophie Kauer and Alison Rhind. Sophie has actively participated in competitions, courses and masterclasses both in and outside the UK, and recently expanded her experience into acting. While leading such a busy life and travelling to places all over the world, she is still a student in Classical Cello Performance at the Norwegian Music Academy; today’s recital was her first full-length commitment. We were thrilled to be able to give her this opportunity and see her return to Breinton as a professional musician; it was a precious occasion where glorious music met our enthusiastic audience.

Unlike many Breinton artists who have many years of performing experience, Sophie carried a completely fresh air as a young, budding artist. Having said that, she demonstrated an absorbent mind – definitely a “rising to the opportunity” performer, we felt her glowing maturity and confidence, particularly in the second half.  One of our regulars remarked that:  “Sophie is such a charming performer and person; she has a wonderful future and career ahead of her I’m sure”.

The Andante of Clara Schumann’s 3 Romances was utterly romantic with gorgeous vibratos which swept through and brought a longing sensation. Franck’s Sonata gave us tremendous joy; each movement had a distinctive character, which the duo conveyed in a convincing manner. The initial mood was set by the expert hands of Alison, followed by the first subject and the reflective slow rocking motion was well expressed by Sophie. The audience’s tension rose with the tormenting turbulent of the second movement. The reflective dialogues between the piano and cello in the third movement were woven beautifully. Bright and joyful, the wedding bells was certainly heard in the last movement, and the concert finished in an uplifting mood.

Sophie can be seen in Todd Field’s Oscar nominated film Tár, starring Cate Blanchett, which can be seen in the Nova Cinemas, Woking, from 16 June.

In the past week, we’ve received 150 audience members; thank you everyone who has come. We feel that the Covid effects are behind us and hope to carry on recitals in Breinton style!