La Folia is supported by outstanding musicians of our time.
In this section:
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Matthew Barley
Matthew Barley
Cello playing is at the centre of Matthew Barley’s career, whilst his musical world has virtually no geographical, social or stylistic boundaries. He is a world-renowned cellist, performing internationally at the highest level. He collaborates with artists ranging from professional orchestras to jazz musicians, DJs and VJs, and Indian musicians.
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Helen Charlston
Helen Charlston
Described as “one of the most exciting voices in the new generation of British singers” by Gramophone Magazine, mezzo soprano Helen Charlston enjoys a varied career in opera, concert and recital work. She is an advocate for contemporary music and regularly commissions new composers. Beyond her performing life, Helen is an artistic advisor for York Early Music Festival and a Vice President for the Rodolfus Foundation.
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Sir John Eliot Gardiner CBE
Sir John Eliot Gardiner CBE
A conductor of world repute who needs little introduction. Renowned for his intelligent and absorbing interpretations of ‘early’ music, largely with his own ensembles – the Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists and the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique – he is also a keen advocate of Schumann, Brahms and the like through live concerts and a wealth of recordings.
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John Lubbock OBE
John Lubbock OBE
John Lubbock is a conductor of international standing, particularly with his own renowned Orchestra of St John’s. He is also director of the charity ‘Music for Autism’. His pioneering work in and out of the concert hall has inspired music groups all over the world to expand their work whilst maintaining the highest quality of music making.
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Lady Marland
Lady Marland
Penny is a Probation Officer and from 2017 to 2018 was High Sheriff of Wiltshire and Swindon. She is a trustee of the Salisbury Museum, Chalke Valley History Festival, the Amber Foundation and Reach South Multi Academy Trust. She is also an Ambassador for the Trowbridge Museum Development project. Although without a musical background she is an enthusiastic supporter of La Folia’s activities and hopes her long standing local connections will be of use.
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Mark Padmore CBE
Mark Padmore CBE
A tenor of international repute, Mark Padmore has an established career in opera, concert and recital and an extensive discography; he is also artistic director of St Endellion Summer Music Festival. Mark is particularly associated with La Folia’s the singing trust, having taken part in Magna Songs, of which he said: “Too rarely do we get the chance to be truly inspired – to feel the intake of breath that stimulates both mind and spirit – but yesterday was such a chance. Let’s do it again!”
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Dr Alec Roth
Dr Alec Roth
Composer Alec Roth is probably best known for his collaboration with writer Vikram Seth, including the opera Arion and the Dolphin, the oratorio The Traveller and song cycles such as Songs in Time of War. His ideas about music are much influenced by his work with Javanese gamelan and creative education and outreach projects. Posts held include Founder and Director of Royal Festival Hall Gamelan Programme and Music Director of the Bayliss Programme at English National Opera.
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John Surman
John Surman
Composer/multi-instrumentalist and a key figure in British and European jazz, he has long been acknowledged as an improviser of world class. He is also the composer of a body of work extending beyond the perceived boundaries of the jazz repertoire. Winner of countless prestigious awards, he is active in music education, leading workshops and projects with youth jazz orchestras, and at music colleges, universities and schools in addition to his concert and recording work.
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Stephen Warbeck
Stephen Warbeck
Stephen Warbeck is composer of over 50 film scores, including Mrs Brown, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Billy Elliott and the Oscar winning music for Shakespeare in Love. He has also been music director for the Royal Shakespeare Company as well as writing music for numerous stage productions including the National Theatre.
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