Christian Forshaw - Reflections of France

Christian Forshaw studied at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London with John Harle. He graduated in 1995 and began an immensely varied career working in many different genres. As a soloist Christian has performed with ensembles including the London Sinfonietta, English National Opera, Scottish Ensemble, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic's Ensemble 10/10 and the Brno Philharmonic. He also works regularly with many smaller ensembles including Notes Inégales, Icebreaker, the Composers Ensemble and Endymion. Christian's debut CD Sanctuary is the exploration of an ecclesiastical sound-world. The project juxtaposes saxophone with voices, church organ and percussion. Sanctuary achieved unprecedented success for a release on an independent label, and consequently Forshaw was offered a deal with Sony BMG which he turned down in favour of setting up his own label, Integra Records UK. His second album, Renouncement was released on Integra in April 2007 Since 2002 Christian has been Professor of Saxophone at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama where he leads an enthusiastic group of young professionals. Stephen De Pledge studied in New Zealand and at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, with Joan Havill. His career was launched after winning the Gold Medal from the Guildhall, and the NFMS Young Concert Artists' Award, and he has since maintained a diverse and wide-ranging performing schedule, as soloist, chamber musician and song accompanist. His solo performances have taken him throughout the UK, including five solo recitals in the Wigmore Hall in London, where he made his acclaimed debut in 1999. He has also given solo performances in Hong Kong, Italy, France, Singapore, Japan, Australia and the USA. Concerto appearances include the Philharmonia and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestras, and performances in the Barbican and Fairfield Halls. As a chamber musician, Stephen has collaborated with groups such as the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet, the English Chamber Orchestra Ensemble, Chamber Domaine and the Scottish Ensemble. His repertoire is far-reaching, from the music of the 17th to the 21st centuries. He has always been an advocate for contemporary music, and has given the world premiere performances of many works. He has become particularly associated with the music of Messiaen, which he studied in Paris with the composer's widow, Yvonne Loriod.