Two famous Chinese cellists to feature in Birmingham Elgar concert

LONDON, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Celebrated Chinese cellist Wang Jian is to perform at a concert in Birmingham with the orchestra conducted by one of the best known names in classical music, Julian Lloyd Webber.

Also performing in the concert on May 28 will be Lloyd Webber's wife, Chinese cellist Jiaxin Lloyd Webber.

The event at Birmingham City University's Royal Birmingham Conservatoire will feature the Orchestra of the Swan, based at Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare.

The orchestra, affectionately known as OOTS, will perform two Elgar masterpieces, featuring Xian-born Wang who is the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire's International Chair in Cello and fellow Chinese cellist, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber.

Prof. Julian Lloyd Webber, who is principal of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, said: "I am really looking forward to conducting two Elgar masterpieces with Orchestra of the Swan as well as the great cellist Jian Wang in Haydn's lively concerto. The program is rounded off by Vivaldi's Concerto for Two Cellos in which Jian will be joined by my wife Jiaxin."

The group will present Sir Edward Elgar's Introduction and Allegro for Strings followed by Serenade for Strings. The performance will also feature Vivaldi's Concerto for 2 Cellos and Cello Concerto in C by Haydn.

The concert is part of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire's opening festival which is welcoming a wealth of world-class artists to Birmingham. Enditem