Cherubim String Weekend 2025: A Celebration of Young Talent in Tisbury

The first weekend of November saw Tisbury come alive with music, energy, and inspiration as young musicians from across the UK gathered for the Cherubim String Weekend — a joyful celebration of artistry and mentorship made possible by the Elizabeth & Prince Zaiger Trust.

A Weekend of Music and Mentorship

Throughout the weekend, talented young string players immersed themselves in an intensive programme of rehearsals, workshops, and masterclasses. Under the guidance of renowned cellist Guy Johnston, the participants honed their ensemble skills and deepened their musical understanding.

Reflecting on the experience, Guy shared his admiration for the Trust’s vision:

“I greatly admire the work the Trust is doing for so many young talented musicians.”

His mentorship brought both inspiration and insight, helping the ensemble grow in confidence and artistry over the course of the weekend.

The Highlight Concert

The culmination of the weekend’s work came on Sunday 2 November, when the Cherubim Chamber Strings performed to a packed audience at St John’s Church, Tisbury. Directed by Arturo Serna, with Andrew Taheny as leader and violin soloist and Alexia Pasquariello as flute soloist, the concert offered a rich and varied musical journey.

The programme moved gracefully from the timeless Pachelbel’s Canon and Vivaldi’s Autumn, through Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 2, to vibrant twentieth-century and contemporary works, including Aldemaro Romero’s Fuga con Pajarillo. The audience was also treated to a Cherubim Premiere — Subtle Shifts by Isaac Schaad, winner of the 2025 Cherubim Composers’ Competition — alongside beloved film themes by John Williams and Hans Zimmer.

Each piece was delivered with poise and passion, a testament to the ensemble’s dedication and the expert coaching they received throughout the weekend. The applause that filled St John’s Church reflected not only appreciation for the performances, but also the community’s pride in supporting the next generation of musical talent.

A Gypsy Jazz Evening to Remember

Complementing the classical focus of the String Weekend was a vibrant Gypsy Jazz Evening, which brought a burst of rhythmic energy and improvisational flair to Tisbury. The duo of Harry Diplock (guitar) and Casey Whyte (violin), lit up the stage with their effortless musicianship and infectious chemistry.

Their performance — steeped in the swinging tradition of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli — combined virtuosic solos, soulful vocals, and lively ensemble interplay. The audience was swept up in the joyful atmosphere, tapping their feet and clapping along to a set that blended warmth, wit, and spontaneity in true gypsy-jazz style.

A Shared Celebration of Music

Together, the Cherubim String Weekend and Gypsy Jazz Evening embodied everything that defines the Cherubim Music Trust: a deep commitment to supporting, inspiring, and empowering young musicians.

From the classical stage to the jazz-club spirit, the weekend was a reminder of music’s power to connect generations, styles, and hearts — and of the extraordinary talent flourishing under the Cherubim banner.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, performed, and supported this unforgettable weekend of music-making in Tisbury.