The classical and folk music traditions from Britain and New Zealand are as interlinked as our cultural and historical roots. This performance showcases classical works for viola written by British composers from the English Pastoral School from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who were largely influenced by British folk music in their search for national musical identity.

Being a classical violist and folksinger, Zephyr has the unique ability to showcase these classical works alongside the original folksongs that inspired them. Taking this further, Zephyr has created a new piece for solo viola that combines melodies from both British and New Zealand folksongs. Zephyr will perform this new viola work alongside the folksongs that inspired it, thus highlighting the close musical and cultural traditions that Britain and New Zealand continue to share, while also showcasing the potential for future cross-genre explorations between British and New Zealand classical and folk music.

Zephyr is a Royal College of Music trained violist and folk musician who has also studied in the United States and New Zealand. He now lives in London and is a full-time Sinfonia Smith Square orchestral fellow. He will be joined for this performance by pianist Archie Bonham.

Part of Bloomsbury Festival’s New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.