President - His Serene Highness Dr Donatus, Prince of Hohenzollern
Matthew Taylor introduces the music for our upcoming summer concert in Bury Court Barn, Bentley, offering insights and sharing the story behind the arrangements included in the programme. In this short video Matthew explains the connections that weave the programme together and introduces our very special guest soloists: Clara-Sophia Wernig (violin) and James Turnbull (oboe).
Introducing our guest soloists
James Turnbull - Oboe
Clara-Sophia Wernig - Violin
James Turnbull
Described by The Independent as “a worthy champion” of contemporary oboe music, James has built an outstanding career dedicated to expanding and promoting the oboe repertoire. He has performed widely across the UK and Europe, with highlights including solo recitals at Wigmore Hall and broadcasts on BBC Radio 3.
His recordings have been released on labels including Toccata Classics, Champs Hill Records, Quartz Music, ABRSM, and Harmonia Mundi USA. His debut disc Fierce Tears was praised by Gramophone Magazine as a “notable debut” and selected as an Editor’s Choice by Classical Music Magazine. In recognition of his contributions to the profession, he was awarded an ARAM by the Royal Academy of Music.
A passionate advocate for new music, James has worked with leading composers such as Michael Berkeley, Jonathan Dove, Thea Musgrave, and Tansy Davies. He is the founder of the New Oboe Music Project, promoting 21st-century repertoire worldwide, and is also dedicated to rediscovering and sharing rarely performed works.
Alongside his performing career, James is dedicated to broadening the appeal of the oboe and encouraging young people to learn the instrument. He teaches at leading institutions including the Royal College of Music Junior Department, the Purcell School, and Trinity Laban, and serves as Chair of the British Double Reed Society.
Web: www.james-turnbull.com
Photo - Miika Laihi.
Clara-Sophia Wernig
Born and raised in London with Italian, Austrian, and German roots, 19-year-old violinist Clara-Sophia Wernig comes from a musical background and began violin lessons at the age of four. She was awarded a place at the Yehudi Menuhin School at age 10, where she studied with Professors Natasha Boyarsky and Lutsia Ibragimova, before completing her final two years with Professor Boris Brovtsyn. She is currently an undergraduate student at the Royal College of Music, studying with Professor Lutsia Ibragimova.
In 2022, she was among the five string finalists of the BBC Young Musician competition.
Clara-Sophia has performed in venues including Kings Place Hall and the Razumovsky Academy in London, as well as giving recitals at the Austrian Cultural Institute and Steinway & Sons Hall in Milan. She has participated in masterclasses with distinguished musicians such as Pavel Vernikov, Maxim Rysanov, Barnabás Kelemen, and Mihaela Martin.
Chamber music is also particularly close to her heart, and she has collaborated with artists including Ashley Wass, Robert Levin, Kathryn Stott, and renowned music producer Andrew Keener. She is a member of Trio Rossetti, with whom she will perform at Wigmore Hall in May 2026.
