Lunchtime Music

Ella Michell flute
Joanne Sealey piano
Prokofiev Flute Sonata

Junyu Zhou saxophone
Jiayue Wang flute
Yujun Liu piano
Peterson Trio No.1

Junyu Zhou saxophone
piano: tbc
Desenclos Prelude, cadence et finale

Join some of RBC’s fabulous wind players for today’s showcase.  Prokofiev’s Flute Sonata dates to 1943 when the composer had been evacuated from Moscow.  He was working on the film score to Ivan the Terrible but felt moved to write a “sonata in a gentle, flowing classical style”.  It’s unmistakable Prokofiev – fast and furious, dreamy and tuneful, energetic and dancing. 

The American classical/jazz saxophonist, bassoonist and composer, Russell Peterson, has added a great deal of chamber music repertoire featuring the saxophone.  His trio from 2009 has Middle Eastern influences and a finale that’s designed to display “dazzling technical abilities and to show off a bit!” he says.  And the saxophone is also the solo instrument in today’s final work, a Paris Conservatoire competition piece from 1956 by the French composer Alfred Desenclos.

Ella Michell (pictured)

Currently in her fourth year at the Conservatoire, Ella has performed in a wide range of recitals and collaborative projects including symphony orchestra, opera orchestra and wind, brass, and percussion ensembles.

Over the last four years Ella has studied with distinguished mentors in both flute and piccolo, developing her artistry and technique as a soloist and ensemble musician.

Ella began her musical journey in Hampshire and secured a place on the Hampshire Specialist Music course. Some of her most memorable moments are performing a recital in Winchester Cathedral, making an appearance at Montreux Jazz festival and touring around France and Spain with the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra.

Junyu Zhou is a saxophonist from China, currently pursuing his Master’s degree at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire under the tutelage of Naomi Sullivan. He is the winner of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Saxophone Prize in 2025.

After being admitted to the Sichuan Conservatory of Music in 2020, Junyu actively participated in a variety of performances and competitions. He won First Prize in the Self-Selected Repertoire category of the Sichuan Division at the 9th Melbourne International Music Competition and was a finalist in the 4th Yamaha Cup Saxophone Competition (China).

He has received masterclasses and professional guidance from renowned saxophonists, including Kyle Horch,Asya Fateyeva and Claude Delangle, earning high praise for his musicianship.

Photo © Sophie Nicholson

Running time approx. 55 minutes