Flyer (303KB)

It was good to hear again the Cox sisters, Francesca and Charlotte, playing oboe and bassoon but this time joined by the clarinetist Sophie Farrell and thus making a very fine wind trio, in works by Beethoven, Mozart and Ibert. In a short concert before the AGM of the Music Society on the 25th January, it was hoped that this might wet the appetite of those attending, to stay on and learn more about, or even join, the society.

Starting with the "Cinq Pieces en Trio" by Ibert These proved to be five lively pieces, very tuneful and full of Gallic lightheartedness. It was immediately apparent that these young ladies were consummate musicians with splendid phrasing, excellent tone and a nice balance between instruments. The Beethoven Variations on "La ci darem la mano" is a very well known tune taken from Mozart`s opera Don Giovanni and the composer writes eight short and clever variations covering a gamut of differing styles, keys rhythms, modes and tempos. Ending in a romping coda in 6/8 time, a stately backward look to the original theme concludes this second piece played with great panache and obvious enjoyment between the players. The "conversation" between instruments was first class with each taking its allotted turn to portray the theme.

Finally the Mozart second of five Divertissements were again tuneful and ideally suited for this most attractive blend of wind instruments and it was a shame that time didn`t permit a longer hearing of this genre especially when played by artistes whose charm and musicianship was beyond reproach.

P.B.

Charlotte Cox

Charlotte is currently in her final year at the Royal Academy of Music. Since beginning her studies, she has worked with a number of orchestras including the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra (trialling as their Principle Bassoon), Philharmonia, Bath Philharmonia, Brandenburg Sinfonia, Sinfonia Cymru (extra list) and the Jersey Chamber Orchestra.

Charlotte completed her undergraduate studies at the Köln Hochschule für Musik und Tanz in Germany, learning under Prof. Georg Klütsch. Previous to this she was a category finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year, awarded the Sir John Barbirolli Memorial Foundation Scholarship and the BBC Fame Academy Award. She also won the Princess Diana Award for Outreach Work in the Community.

Charlotte has been selected for a number of young artist programs including the MMSF Philharmonia fellowship, London Symphony Orchestra Woodwind Academy, Chipping Campden Orcehstral Acadmey and the Britten-Pears Young Artist programme. She was also chosen for the prestigious Internationale Sommerakademie für Kammermusik Niedersachsen chamber music festival in Germany.

Charlotte has performed as a soloist, orchestrally and in small ensembles throughout Europe. Venues include the Wigmore Hall (solo recital), Muziekgebouw (ensemble performance) and St Martins- in- the Fields (playing concertos with the Brandenburg Sinfonia)

Francesca Cox

Francesca was awarded a scholarship in 2015 to study under Christopher Cowie at the Royal Academy of Music. She was previously a scholar at the Purcell School and Junior Guildhall. In 2016 she was offered a place, as one of the youngest participants, on the Frenswegen International Academy for Chamber Music Niedersachsen in Germany. In 2017 Francesca was awarded a commendation in the Royal Academy Nicholas Blake Prize with her wind trio and also for the Barry Grimaldi, Cor Anglais competition. Francesca was also awarded ‘Very Highly Commended’ in the 2018 Royal Academy Leila Bull Oboe Prize.

Francesca has performed as a soloist at Milton Court at the Barbican and Kings Place as well as many smaller venues around Great Britain.

Chamber performances have included trio and quintet performances at the Wigmore Hall, Gray’s Inn Chapel, London and at Guildford Spring Festival.

Orchestral experience includes regular playing with the Royal Academy Orchestra, as well as Opera Company. She has also played in the National Youth Orchestra for two years and as Principal Oboe of the National Youth Chamber Orchestra, the Notting Hill Film Orchestra and the University of London Symphony Orchestra.