Lunchtime Recital - Ana Neves (violin) and Felix Ottaway O’ Mahony (piano)

Programme:

António Fragoso - Suíte Romantique for Violin and Piano: I. Prelúdio

Amy Beach - Three Pieces for Violin and Piano Op.40

Luís de Freitas Branco - Violin Sonata No.1, I. Andantino non troppo moderato

Edward Elgar - Romance Op.1

Johannes Brahms - Violin Sonata No.1 in G Major, Op.78, I. Vivace ma non troppo

Biographies:

The Alma Duo is a collaboration between Ana Neves, violin, and Felix Ottaway O’ Mahony, piano, formed when the two met in sixth form. Both are currently studying for undergraduate degrees at Trinity Laban Conservatoire with Andrew Sherwood and Elena Riu respectively. Ana and Felix enjoy bringing their musical interests together and exploring a range of chamber music repertoire, both the well known and loved, and the underperformed and newly composed. They are excited for a range of upcoming concerts and events across the UK.

The duo perform regularly in a variety of venues, most notably the Wigmore Hall, Blackheath Hall, Lucy Sanderson Hall, and Waltham Abbey. They enjoy the experience of taking part in chamber masterclasses and coaching with artists including Dr. Ji Liu, Andrew West, Rivka Golani and members of the Carducci quartet.

Ana Neves began the violin at the age of four with the support of the charity UKMusicMasters, who focus on widening inclusive participation in music education. From the age of eleven, Ana studied at the Royal College of Music Junior Department, before gaining a place at Trinity Laban to continue her studies. She has played in various masterclasses including ones with Maxim Vengerov and Randall Goosby, and has performed in a multitude of venues across the UK. Recent performances include regular chamber and orchestral concerts, most notably her recent performance at the Barbican with the Kanneh-Mason family. She is currently particularly interested in incorporating music by lesser known Portuguese composers into her recital programmes.

Felix Ottaway O’ Mahony began the piano at the age of six. However, his first introduction to music making was prior to this, playing the tin whistle in Irish folk groups, in céilí and parades. Recent performances include: Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 as part of the ‘Mozart at Rush Hour’ concert series, directed by Martino Tirimo; Iannis Xenakis’s ‘Plekto’; regular solo recitals; as well as his ongoing commitments as a chamber musician. He has performed in a variety of venues and had masterclasses with artists such as Pascal Roge, Enrico Elisi, and Dr. Min Kwon.

The Alma Duo's next recital is at St George's Church, Beckenham, on the 7th March at 11am.

Presented in association with Trinity Laban Music Conservatoire