Although I'm not partial to blogging, I'm told it's a way of bridging the communication between those who want to connect or read about an artist and the artist themself - so here's an attempt!

Private by nature, I am however happy to express a certain joy at how the new recording of the Elgar is being received and understood by the critics and hopefully consumers, too. I was determined, when I put my interpretation of this masterpiece down, not to fall into the trap of emulating or carving out a rendition which sounded like so many others. I don't like indulgence in music making. Saying that, I didn't go out of my way to be different! I always believe that you play as you are ie; whatever your inner soul and personality may be, they will, whether you're conscious of it or not, infuse the very music you play. After all, we all have an intonation and timbre of voice that distinguishes who we are. It's the same in music.

I also chose to couple it with the sadly neglected Myaskovsky concerto for it was one of the few works that complemented, not competed with, Elgar's. Such beautiful and evocative music!

I don't compromise on a commercial level - and I only record and perform music that I feel passionate about for this is the prerequisite for any authentic and successful interpretation. Therefore, you're unlikely to hear me doing "lollipops", sorry! So, I hope you enjoy this record and the others before it. This summer sees another Anglo-Russian CD - Britten Cello Symphony and Shostakovich concerto No.2 also with the same forces - look out for a September release and in the meantime, encourage as many children to play and learn music, for not only is it a healer, we must ensure that classical music prevails through the future generations.

Thanks for listening!