Cellist Jonathan Bloxham returns with Northern Chords

Mar 25 2009 by David Whetstone, The Journal

FOLLOWING news that the National Youth Orchestra (NYO) is to strengthen its links with the North East – with an Easter residency at The Sage Gateshead and Durham University – comes evidence of its inspirational qualities.

Former member Jonathan Bloxham, 21, returns to the region this week with his own Northern Chords chamber music festival.

Cellist Jonathan, from Whickham, played with our own Young Sinfonia and then the NYO. He is currently studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.

But he was keen to give something back to his home region, having been talent- spotted initially by Gateshead Music Service.

This weekend’s three concerts will feature his friends from the Guildhall.

They include violinists Vlad Maistorovici, Tetsuumi Nagata and Nigulia Mirzayeva; singer Ben Johnson; and pianists Ellena Hale and James Southall.

With former friends from Newcastle Royal Grammar School, Jonathan secured sponsorship for the festival from law firm Watson Burton.

Senior partner Rob Langley said: “The organisers of this festival understand, as we do, the importance of art and culture and its role in encouraging diversity, equality and open minds.”

Support has also come from Eldon Square, the Travel Bureau and Hilton Newcastle- Gateshead, and the festival has been backed by the Sponsors Club for Arts and Business.