“A Musician with a future” - Radio Times

Susanna began to learn the cello at the tender age of six and she was soon winning scholarships and recognition for her outstanding talent culminating in a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London at just seventeen years of age. Her continued success, under the tutelage of her mentor Florence Hooton, saw her awarded yet another scholarship, to study with the renowned professor, Raphael Walfisch. In her professional life Susanna is a highly respected and sought-after teacher and continues to be much in demand both as a soloist and for her sensitive chamber music performances. Feted by the press, indeed one reviewer likened her to Jacqueline du Pre, Susanna has been determined to share her love of the cello as widely as possible, this has seen her equally at home at music clubs and festivals or amongst the blooms at the Chelsea Flower Show. She has performed on many occasions for Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal Family but also finds time to assist in pioneering research on the affect of music on the blood pressure of expectant mothers. That “Musician with a future” has certainly delivered, and more…results showed that blood pressure drops on hearing Susanna play…if you are pregnant!

Tim Volkard

In a fascinating and highly varied career Tim has been fortunate to perform all kinds of music working with the country's leading orchestras. His studies, with his professor Florence Hooton at the Royal Academy of Music in London, culminated in the award of the top cello prize and the honour of being presented to Diana, Princess of Wales, and his professional work has been both exceptional and exciting. His work with the English Chamber Orchestra saw him performing with a galaxy of stars for the Prince and Princess of Wales in aid of Salisbury Cathedral, a concert that has been seen worldwide. Other highlights include the many foreign tours with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra working with great conductors and soloists including Yehudi Menuhin, memorable concerts with the CBSO and Simon Rattle, and wonderful operas at the London Coliseum, and, to an audience of more than 50,000 people, at Glastonbury, with the English National Opera. Tim was particularly pleased to be asked to play Principal Cello for part of a Pavarotti world tour and to have the opportunity to coach the cellists of the Barbados youth orchestra. His appearances in films have seen him with stars such as Judi Dench, Charlize Theron, Reese Witherspoon, Kevin Kline, Geoffrey Rush and Natalie Cole. Tim has also enjoyed appearing in concert with celebrity artists ranging from Jamaican reggae star John Holt, George Benson, Larry Adler, Julie Andrews, Cliff Richard, Charlotte Church, Russell Watson, Andrea Bocelli and Barbra Streisand to Nigel Kennedy, Montserrat Caballe, Kiri te Kanawa and Placido Domingo.

Fusion

Susanna and Tim first played together as teenagers when their rapport and understanding was immediately evident. They were both students under the expert guidance of Florence Hooton at The Royal Academy of Music, and they are delighted to continue their long relationship, with the fusion cello duo, making "music without labels", for the enjoyment of everyone, everywhere.

“Two great talents…sounded absolutely marvellous” - BBC