Guest Soloists

Freddy Kempf (Piano)

Freddy Kempf is one of today’s most successful pianists performing to sell-out audiences all over the world. Exceptionally gifted with an unusually broad repertoire, Freddy has built a unique reputation as an explosive and physical performer who is not afraid to take risks as well as a serious, sensitive and profoundly musical artist.

Freddy has collaborated with conductors such as Dutoit, Petrenko, Davis, Sinaisky, Chailly, Tortelier, Sawallisch, Buribayev and Simonov, and has worked with some of the world’s most prestigious musical institutions including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, BBC Scottish Symphony, Philharmonia Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, La Scala Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra and Dresden Philharmonic.

Thomas Gould (Violin)

One of the most versatile and original violinists of his generation, Thomas Gould has forged an unusually varied career that encompasses directing, leading, playing concertos, chamber and new music, and also working in jazz and other non-classical genres.

This will be his second performance with us, following a successful debut in 2015 in which he played Haydn’s Concerto in C major and Arvo Pärt Fratres.

As concerto soloist Thomas has performed with orchestras internationally including the LA Phil New Music Group, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, West Australian Symphony Orchestra, and in the UK, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Laura van der Heijden (Cello)

Laura van der Heijden has already made a name for herself as a very special emerging talent, captivating audiences and critics alike with the sensitivity of her sound and interpretations.

This soulful and evocative artist can already look back on a number of exceptional achievements, among them being the winner – at the age of just 15 – of the BBC Young Musician competition.

Her 2018 debut album “1948”, featuring Russian music for cello and piano with pianist Petr Limonov, won the 2018 Edison Klassiek Award (broadcast live on Dutch television), and the 2019 BBC Music Magazine Newcomer Award. The CD has been hailed as a “dazzling, imaginative and impressive” debut recording.

Joo Yeon Sir (Violin)

Described by Strad Magazine as ‘exuberant, seductive…with bravura and oodles of personality’ Korean-born British violinist Joo Yeon Sir is a winner of the prestigious Arts Club Karl Jenkins Classical Music Award, in association with Classic FM. Among her many UK appearances, she recently made her debut with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

She has released two discs to huge critical acclaim, both on the Rubicon label: Suites & Fantasies (‘a dazzling debut’ The Guardian) and Chaconnes, Divertimento & Rhapsodies (‘lovely playing’ BBC Radio 3).

Joo Yeon plays on a Matteo Goffriller violin provided by Georg von Opel.

The Dave Lee Horn Quartet

Dave Lee, Tom Bettley, Lindsay Kempley, Jane Hanna

Principal Horn Dave Lee has played with the RTWSO for many decades. Alongside a busy and distinguished career in some of the UK’s finest Orchestras, Opera Houses, Recording Studios and West End Theatres, Dave has been an enthusiastic supporter of the RTWSO.

He has been involved in numerous activities beyond just our concerts, not least of all our education and outreach projects with which he is frequently involved.

We are delighted to welcome his own horn quartet as soloists in this special Civic Concert.