the rossetti ensemble

The Rossetti Ensemble was created in 2018 from longstanding collaborations between pianist John Lenehan, violinist Sara Trickey and cellist Tim Lowe. Named after Dante Gabriel, the eminent British poet and Pre-Raphaelite artist, we are passionate about the repertoire of the era and composers who derived inspiration from his work during the late romantic period and early 20thCentury. In addition to piano quartets the group is flexible, working with other high profile instrumentalists to produce imaginative and varied programmes.
In previous formation the group has performed at London King's Place, and the Lichfield and Ripon International Festivals as well as a CD "Concertato" of chamber works by Lydia Kakabadse which was released on the Divine Art label in February 2017 to favourable reviews. The new group has given successful concerts at The Little Missenden and William Alwyn Festivals and has recently recorded the complete works of exiled Austrian composer Robert Furstenthal for Toccata Classics. Forthcoming concerts include the Conway Hall, Purcell School and Kendal Midday series.  

Sara Trickey brings her “beautifully refined tone” (Musical Opinion) and her “fiery and passionate” style (The Strad) to both her solo and chamber career. Formerly a founder member of the prize-winning Brontë Quartet, she is currently a member of the Odysseus Piano Trio and the Joachim String Trio as well as duos with pianist Daniel Tong and violinist Andrew Watkinson. Sara has been involved in many chamber music recordings and has received critical acclaim for her duo recordings of works by Mathias and Schubert. Sara also has a keen interest in contemporary music.  

Sarah-Jane Bradley,“ardent and affecting soloist” (The Daily Telegraph), is well-known for her championing of new works for the viola. She has worked as soloist with the Philharmonia, Hallé, and BBC Symphony Orchestra amongst others, and her acclaimed recordings include CDs for Hyperion, Chandos, Naxos and Dutton Epoch. A founder member of the Leopold String Trio, and subsequently Sorrel Quartet, Fidelio Piano Quartet and London Soloists Ensemble, she is a sought-after chamber musician.

Tim Lowe is firmly established as one of the new generation of outstanding British cellists. He has played as a soloist and chamber musician throughout Europe and the UK. His most recent recital at the Wigmore with pianist Andrew Brownell was described as “compelling in every respect, probing, virtuosic and yielding by turns – a true example of outstanding musicianship.” (Musical Opinion).Tim is Co-Principal cellist of the English Chamber Orchestra and regularly plays as Guest Principal with the BBC Scottish and Royal Northern Sinfonia amongst others. He is a Professor of Cello at the Guildhall, and is the Artistic Director of York Chamber Music Festival.  

John Lenehan is described as “One of our most celebrated musicians” (Classic FM Magazine) and “Simply one of the best chamber pianists going” (The Scotsman). He has recorded over 70 CDs, and is renowned internationallyboth as a soloist and chamber musician. He regularly partners artists such as Tasmin Little and Emma Johnson, and is also acclaimed for his work as a composer and arranger.

The Rossetti Ensemble is an absolute gem. The four players  excel themselves. And one piece, the Phantasy Piano Quartet by Frank bridge, (not an easy piece) was played  to perfection. An excellent evening.. What a treat to  have experienced world-class musicianship in a community arts centre in Walton-on-Thames. A wonderful programme of Mozart and Brahms, rendered by the four superb  musicians that make up the Rossetti Ensemble. Highly recommended...An excellent evening of piano quartets. All 3 works were beautifully communicated, with  carefully nuanced playing from all. A range of emotions conveyed convincingly and with evident  enjoyment...Crisp, beautiful and expressive. A  delightful, warm, intimate evening of chamber music  played with energy by such talented musicians. A  privilege to experience. 

Riverhouse Barn, February 2019

 “The performances are exceptional. In a collective and individual display of how to deliver chamber music at world-class level, Sarah-Jane Bradley’s viola playing – ear-mesmerising, yet never obtrusive – shines even in this company” 

BBC Music Magazine  

"We were delighted to welcome soundcollective to the Chaplin Theatre, Vinehall as part of our International Concerts Season. The event was sold out and the audience really enjoyed both the quality and variety of the performances. The brief introductions to each piece were also well-received. I have no hesitation in recommending soundcollective to other music clubs and societies." Geoffrey Whitehead, Deputy Headmaster, Vinehall School, February 2017

"The ensemble sound collective prove committed and high-class performers. The instrumentalists who have joined together as soundcollective bring this music to the ear of the listener with passion, refinement and love. In short, the presentation is a pleasure overall." (Concertato) Pizzicato, Remy Franck's Journal, Classics in Luzembourg, April 2017  

"Superb CD..music is magnificent..immense musical beauty..outstanding performance by sound collective..an exceptional album of heavenly music. I highly recommend it as one of the best CD’s of the decade" (Concertato)

Thomas Tamvakos (June 2017)Music critic- Emeritus member of ‘Greek Composers Union’  

“This charming album is already one of our favourites. The music comes from soundcollective, a group of musicians that works with composers, writers and educators to build new ways of appreciating and promoting chamber music. They’ve certainly succeeded with this” (Concertato) The Chronicle, Congleton, March 2017