Last Sunday we were lucky enough to attend a trio of players from the Pixels Ensemble - Sophie Rosa, violin, Jonathan Aarsgaard, cello, and Ian Buckle, piano at the Yewfield hotel near Hawkshead. This was one of the gigs making up a season of classical chamber music hosted (and heavily subsidised, I believe) by Derek Hook, who owns Zefferellis and Fellinis in Ambleside and two hotels.
The highlight was a scintillating performance of Schubert’s 2nd trio.
These recitals have been going on for 25 years, with about 6 gigs a year. We’ve attended many over the last decade, and they have always been excellent - I can only recall one semi-dud performer. The audience is limited by space to about 40 and takes place in the sumptuous surrounding of Yewfield’s lounge - just the sort of space for which most chamber music was written. Over the last few years Derek has integrated these events with a 2 course meal at tables in the lounge, making a really lovely night out.
The next event is on April 27 and involves a violin/piano duo. Though not cheap - good players need to be decently paid - these events can be a delightful experience and I can’t recommend highly enough.
If interested, just search Yewfield Music. There’s nothing like live music, especially at this limited scale.
