Rachel Thomson (Piano) & Robert Ibell (Cello)

Two well-known Wellington-based musicians present a varied and dynamic programme of works for cello and piano spanning two hundred years.

Beginning our concert is Beethoven’s fifth and last sonata for piano and cello, a visionary and lyrical work from 1815 that signalled the beginning of the ‘late period’ in his output. This is followed by the magical Pohádka (Fairy Tale) by Czech composer Janáček. The first half closes with three exquisite short works by Schumann: his Fantasy Pieces Op 73.

After interval come four short and characterful pieces written in 2017 by Alex Taylor, an award-winning composer from Aotearoa. Two sonatas from the twentieth century complete the programme: Kodaly’s two movement Sonata for Cello & Piano Op 4, with its folk-influenced melodies and Debussyan harmonies is followed by Debussy's brief Sonata for Cello & Piano from 1915. This work, with its ecstatic outbursts and dark humour, is strongly influenced by commedia dell'arte. It provides an exciting and satisfying end to the concert.

Rachel Thomson - piano
Rachel Thomson enjoys a varied career as a chamber musician, teacher and collaborative pianist. She began her piano studies with her mother before continuing with Judith Clark, going on to complete a B.Mus (Hons) and a BA in English Literature at Victoria University. As a recipient of both an Arts Council grant and a Fulbright Graduate Award, she went on to study at the Cleveland Institute of Music, gaining a Masters then Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance.

Rachel has won various awards both at home and in the United States, including the NZ National Concerto Competition (1993) and the East Central Division of the MTNA Young Artist Competition (USA, 1997). Since her return to New Zealand Rachel has been part of a number of ensembles to tour under the auspices of Chamber Music New Zealand. More recently she has formed the Koru Trio, a piano trio with NZSO members Anne Loeser and Sally Isaac.

Rachel has been a national recording artist for Concert FM, and also recorded for Trust Records with flutist Bridget Douglas. She has worked as an orchestral pianist with the NZSO for many years, and is currently Principal Keyboard with Orchestra Wellington. She runs a busy teaching studio in Wellington, and is an active member of the IRMTNZ. She is also a music examiner for Trinity College London.

Robert Ibell - cello
Robert Ibell was born in Dannevirke and brought up in Palmerston North. While training there as a school teacher he learned cello from Judith Hyatt in Wellington.

From 1986 to 1992 Robert lived in London, studying cello with Tania Hunt, Derek Simpson and Christopher Bunting. He played at music schools and masterclasses (where his teachers included Alexander Baillie, Steve Doane, Anner Bylsma and Steven Isserlis), taught, gave recitals and played in amateur and professional orchestras, including the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

From 1993 to 2019 Robert was a member of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. He is now a cello and bass teacher in Wellington and Palmerston North, a Council member for the Institute of Registered Music Teachers of NZ, chamber music coach, adjudicator and freelance performer. Robert is a member of the Aroha String Quartet, square piano/cello duo Hammers & Horsehair, the Papaioea Piano Trio and indie/folk/rock band Milkthistle.