ABOUT
Photo: Patrick Allen
THE ZOFFANY ENSEMBLE
The Zoffany Ensemble performs many of the greatest works in the chamber music repertoire by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Schumann and Brahms, and also music by more neglected composers such as Louise Farrenc and Anton Arensky. From time to time other players, with whom Manon has a close affinity, are added to the group as the repertoire demands.
Select an image to find out more about each member of the ensemble.
JOHANN ZOFFANY 1733 - 1810
The ensemble takes its name from the German-born, neoclassical artist and founding member of the Royal Academy, Johann Zoffany, whose paintings, as well as portraying eminent actors such as David Garrick, often depicted the nobility in their pursuit of musical entertainment. Zoffany came to London in 1760, and from around 1770 - 1800 produced work of exceptional quality, much of it now displayed in the National Gallery, the Tate Gallery and the Royal Collection.
ANTHONY PLEETH son of cellist William Pleeth and pianist Margaret Good, was born in London in 1948 and studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he won the gold medal in 1966. After completing his studies there he became increasingly interested in the Baroque Cello and his first record, released in 1976, established him as England’s foremost exponent of the instrument, on which he continued to record and perform, both as soloist and as Principal cello of the English Concert and the Academy of Ancient Music. However, his musical interests were diverse and in 1987 the Pleeth Cello Octet celebrated the centenary of Villa-Lobos with a highly acclaimed recording of his cello ensemble music. This was followed by recordings of Vivaldi’s cello sonatas, Beethoven’s complete works for cello and piano, and various recordings of chamber music by Mozart, Schubert and Mendelssohn.
During the late 1980s Anthony Pleeth became increasingly in demand as principal cello on Film and Television soundtracks working for many important British, European and Hollywood composers. He retired from commercial recording in April 2013 and now devotes his time to charitable ventures, chamber music concerts and to his family.
Photo: Patrick Allen