THE AQUINAS PIANO TRIO
Ruth Rogers | Katherine Jenkinson | Martin Cousin
Described by Gramophone as, ‘spot-on in interpretative instinct’, the Aquinas Piano Trio has established itself as one of Britain’s most sought-after chamber groups. Following their Wigmore Hall debut in December 2015, Musical Opinion commented, ‘This sold out concert hall was in awe, ecstatic with joy at the final cadence.’
The Trio's list of recordings includes the Saint-Saens Trios, released on Guild in 2015, and their CD of Mendelssohn Trios was Strad Magazine’s Choice of the Month in May 2015: ‘The Aquinas Trio rejoices in these cherishable scores with a symphonic sweep and an insatiable forward momentum … This is an enormously impressive coupling.’
The Aquinas Trio released 3 discs of Haydn trios on Naxos between 2022-23, all to universal acclaim, with the Strad remarking ‘The Aquinas Trio brings flawless ensemble and a lively intelligence to these relatively neglected pre-1770 works’ and Fanfare Magazine stating ‘I have never enjoyed Haydn Trios as much as in these performances. Aquinas’s easy-going spirit is captivating.’
The Trio’s past engagements include a Schumann concert series at Kings Place, London and performances at the Little Missenden Festival, the Chipping Campden International Music Festival, the Menton Festival in France and the Kirker Chopin Festival in Mallorca. Their continuing support of contemporary music saw premieres of new works by Thomas Hyde and Rob Keeley during the 2016/17 season, with a Naxos CD release of Rob Keeley’s Piano Trio no.2 in 2019, Lawrie Rose’s piano trio for Stone Records in 2022, alongside Smetana and Rachmaninov trios and Michael Stimpson’s complete works for piano trio in 2023.
Highlights of the 23/24 season include a return to Chipping Campden Music Festival and a recital for Sherborne Abbey Festival.
The Trio will perform a series of 5 recitals between 2022-26 at Wigmore Hall.
RUTH ROGERS
Ruth Rogers studied with Itzhak Rashkovsky and Herman Krebbers.
Described as “the finest of the younger generation of violinists” (Musical Opinion) and hailed by the Guardian as “superb”, Ruth is in demand as soloist, leader, and chamber musician.
In 2015 Ruth was appointed as a leader of the London Mozart Players. She worked as Co-Leader of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra from 2008 until 2012 and appears as a guest leader of many other major orchestras including the Hallé, BBC Philharmonic, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.
Ruth also plays with the John Wilson Orchestra at the BBC Proms.
KATHERINE JENKINSON
Katherine Jenkinson is recognised as one of the UK’s leading cellists specialising in solo and chamber music.
In 2017, Katherine had the privilege of recording a new cello concerto with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra which was written for her by the British composer, Oliver Davis.
Chamber music is a key part of Katherine's musical life. She was a founder member of The Rautio Piano Trio, and was a member of The Allegri String Quartet 2008-2011 and Iuventus Quartet and Ensemble.
In Contemporary music, Katherine has worked closely with composers, Arvo Pärt, Anthony Payne, Richard Allain and Thomas Hyde.
Katherine plays on an Italian cello by Taningardi made in 1703. She is grateful to the Countess of Munster for their help in the purchase and restoration of this cello.
MARTIN COUSIN
Martin Cousin is now regarded as one of the most exceptional pianists of his generation, having been awarded 1st prize at the 2005 Ettore Pozzoli International Piano Competition (Seregno, Italy) and Gold Medal at the 2003 Royal Over-Seas League Music Competition (London).
Martin has performed as concerto soloist with the Philharmonia, London Philharmonic, Halle, Royal Philharmonic and BBC Concert Orchestras.
2006 saw the release of his debut CD of Rachmaninov's Sonata No 1 and Morceaux de Salon with SOMM Recordings, which was selected as Classical CD of the week by the Daily Telegraph. The US magazine Fanfare added, "This is the performance of the 1st Sonata that I have always heard in my head but never thought I'd actually get to hear with my ears. This guy's the Real Deal!"
Martin now records exclusively for Naxos and released 2 discs of Rubinstein’s piano music in 2023, gaining 5 stars in MUSICA Magazine, 5 tuning forks from Diapason and 4 stars from Ritmo Magazine. American Record Guide remarked ‘Martin Cousin is a fine pianist and up to all the considerable demands of these pieces.’
Two discs of Liszt’s Operatic Transcriptions will be released in 2024 and two more discs of Scarlatti will be recorded in 2024, for release in 2025.