Sarah Ovenden flute
Helen Nicholas piano
Bach Sonata in G minor
Debussy Syrinx
Nielsen The Fog is Lifting
Debussy L’apres midi d’un faune (arrangement)
Schubert Variations on Trockne Blumen
Sarah Ovenden completed her masters degree in music at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in 2016, graduating with distinction. During her time here she was awarded the Friends in New York of TCM London Award and Edgar TP Comley Prize for Excellence.
Sarah primarily freelances as an orchestral musician around the UK and sits principal flute with Farnham Sinfonia, Orchestra of the World, Orchestra of the Reform Club, and the Waldegrave Ensemble, who released their debut album of works by Matthew Taylor in 2017. She has also played with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.
Sarah gives recitals regularly as a soloist and with various chamber ensembles, and has performed most major works for flute and orchestra in recent years. She is also passionate about inspiring the younger generation through workshops and teaching.
As a respected soloist and chamber musician, Helen Nicholas has performed at some of the UK’s most prestigious concert venues, including the Royal Opera House, Wigmore Hall, St Martin-in-the- Fields and Bridgewater Hall. After completing her Masters at the Royal Academy of Music in 2012, she became the first ever ballet pianist on the Jette Parker Artists Programme at the Royal Opera House. During this time she joined The Royal Ballet music staff on many productions, appeared as a soloist with the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and performed recitals in the Crush Room and Paul Hamlyn Hall. As an orchestral musician, Helen has performed with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and has collaborated with some of the orchestra’s principals for recitals and masterclasses.
Helen is a regular accompanist at the London music conservatoires and also enjoys being the resident pianist for the Metropolitan Police Choir, who have recorded their second album this year. She has recently been appointed as piano teacher and accompanist for the Hall School in Hampstead.