In Harmony Lambeth
In 2014, the former London Cello Society began their partnership with In Harmony Lambeth, helping their orchestral cellists with individual and collective work. The British Cello Society is pleased to continue this tradition.
In Harmony Lambeth launched in 2009 in Stockwell community, inspired by the Venezuelan El Sistema programme, using the pursuit of musical excellence to enrich the lives of children, young people and the wider community. In Harmony Lambeth works with over 900 students each week through its in-school and after-school programmes.
We are very pleased to announce the receipt of two grants, one from the Harrison – Frank Family Foundation for £4000 and a matching grant for the same amount of £4000 to continue this partnership. We welcome our new cello tutor, Theo Bently Curtin, to the programme.
Theo Bently Curtin
Theo Bently Curtin is in demand as a cellist and educator across the UK. Currently completing his Masters studies at the Guildhall School with Rebecca Gilliver, he has appeared with the BBC Symphony, Hallé and Philharmonia Orchestras, and Glyndebourne Sinfonia. His playing has been featured on BBC Radio 3. Theo was a winner of the 2024 St James’s Chamber Prize at Guildhall, as well as the May Mukle & Douglas Cameron Award at the Royal Academy of Music performing the technically demanding Poulenc Cello Sonata.
Born in London and raised in South Devon, Theo was awarded a specialist place at Wells Cathedral School with Richard May, followed by Bachelor’s studies at the Royal Academy of Music with Christoph Richter and Josephine Knight. Theo plays a modern cello by Harry Strong modelled on a fine instrument by Alessandro Gagliano of 1704. Aside from cello, Theo is a baritone, enjoys swimming and is a keen enthusiast of swing dance.
L’Association Française du Violoncelle (AFV)
The British Cello Society is pleased to continue partnerships established by the London Cello Society in 2023. We have twinned with L’Association Française du Violoncelle (AFV) to put forward joint projects on either side of the Channel.
Our first such project took place in the 2023-24 season at the Royal Academy of Music with Xavier Gagnepain, President of the Association, who presented an event called Popper à Deux, concerning his new edition of Popper’s High School of Cello Playing: 40 Etudes for two cellos.
This season, we are collaborating on a project concerning William Pleeth and Jacqueline du Pré.
We look forward to future collaborations on the Elgar Cello Concerto and Duport, father of modern cello playing, amongst others.
CelloBello
CelloBello is the online resource centre, home of all things cello. We are delighted to be invited to partner with them to design online presentations which will be jointly sponsored.
