Cherubim Trevor Pinnock Conducts Cherubim Chamber Strings in Special 25th Anniversary Concert
An evening of exceptional music in Tisbury brought together internationally renowned musicians and emerging young talent, celebrating 25 years of Cherubim Music Trust.
On Thursday 29 October 2026, Cherubim Music Trust welcomed internationally acclaimed conductor and harpsichordist Trevor Pinnock to St John’s Church, Tisbury, for a special concert celebrating the Trust’s 25th anniversary.
Conducting Cherubim Chamber Strings, led by violinist Andrew Taheny, Pinnock brought together an outstanding ensemble of young musicians for a programme spanning the Baroque period to the twentieth century.
The evening opened with Remo Giazotto’s celebrated Adagio, commonly associated with Albinoni, in an arrangement by Michæl Maxwell Steer, followed by Joseph Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C major, performed by acclaimed cellist and former Cherubim awardee Vashti Hunter.
A Special Homecoming for Vashti Hunter
Vashti’s return to Tisbury was particularly meaningful. Twenty years ago, in 2006, she received a fine 1875 Collin-Mézin cello through Cherubim Music Trust, purchased with support from the Rothermere Foundation.
The instrument played an important role in her early career, enabling her to pursue significant performance opportunities and further her studies in Germany.
Two decades later, Vashti returned to perform alongside Iván Carillo, the cello’s current recipient, in Jean-Baptiste Barrière’s Cello Sonata No. 10 in G major.
Their performance offered a wonderful illustration of Cherubim’s enduring mission: providing exceptional instruments to talented young musicians at crucial stages of their development, with each instrument passing between successive generations of performers.
Showcasing the Next Generation
Following the interval, violinists Nirvana Che-Lai and Emily Li took centre stage as soloists in J. S. Bach’s much-loved Double Violin Concerto, bringing youthful energy and artistry to one of the Baroque repertoire’s most celebrated works.
Both musicians are beneficiaries of Cherubim’s instrument loan scheme, performing on violins made available through the Trust.
The concert concluded with Peter Warlock’s vibrant Capriol Suite, a colourful collection of dances that provided a fitting finale to the evening.
Celebrating 25 Years of Cherubim
Trevor Pinnock’s association with Cherubim stretches back to the Trust’s earliest days, and his continued support reflects a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians.
In his programme note, Pinnock emphasised the importance of providing young performers with instruments capable of supporting their musical development:
“Cherubim provides a vital service in offering quality instruments to young musicians, enabling them to raise their skill level.”
Founded 25 years ago by Clancy Steer, Cherubim Music Trust now maintains a collection of more than 80 instruments, supporting promising young musicians through instrument loans and performance opportunities.
This anniversary concert was a particularly meaningful celebration of that work, bringing together former and current awardees in a shared musical experience.
We extend our warmest thanks to Trevor Pinnock, our wonderful soloists, Cherubim Chamber Strings, and everyone who joined us in Tisbury for such a memorable evening.
Watch the Performance
Enjoy Vashti Hunter and Iván Carillo performing the first movement of Jean-Baptiste Barrière’s Cello Sonata No. 10 in G major. Link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUB-xA4oGvM
The full performance is available on the Cherubim Music Trust YouTube channel.
Concert photography: Marianne Harris.