Bach Explained – Julian and Jiaxin Lloyd Webber – Saturday 18th October 2025

Description

Julian Lloyd Webber narrates the fascinating story behind the composition of Bach’s iconic cello suites while introducing performances of the Suites by his wife, and fellow cellist, Jiaxin. She is herself a leading cello soloist. The Bach Explored programme covers the playing of the three Bach cello suites and also Malcolm Arnold’s Fantasy for Cello which Arnold composed for Julian in 1987. Julian will provide dialogue and recount some of his experiences over his years in the musical world.

Julian Lloyd Webber is known world-wide as a brilliant cello player and music educator. Born into a musical family he won a scholarship to the Royal College of Music in 1968 and then embarked on a glittering career which involved collaboration with a wide variety of world-famous musicians including Yehudi Menuhin, Georg Solti as well as Stephan Grapelli and Elton John. In 2014 a problem in his neck reduced the power of his bowing arm and he was forced to announce his retirement. Since then he has been appointed Principal of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, has scripted and presented several TV programmes and in 2021 was awarded the OBE.

Jiaxin graduated from Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 1997 before moving to New Zealand where she was principal cello with the Auckland Chamber Orchestra and played regularly with the Auckland Philharmonia and New Zealand Symphony orchestras. Since moving to London in 2007 she has performed on many radio programmes, played at the Festival Hall, and made several recordings, one of which “A Tale of Two Cellos” made with Julian was one of Naxos label’s bestselling recordings of all time.

The Bach cello suites are one of the glories of classical music. After Bach’s death in 1750 they lay forgotten for close to 100 years before Schumann, in particular, provided them with a piano accompaniment. But it was Pablo Casals who in 1890 started to play them as solo cello pieces and they began to be established in the musical repertoire. There are 6 suites and Jiaxin will play Nos 1, 2 and 3.

Date: Saturday October 18th 2025
Time: 19.30
Venue: St Mary’s Church, Lamberhurst
Tickets: £35 (adults – children are free)