Lunchtime Music

Milan Jacobs violin
Robert Markham piano

Beethoven Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op.23
Messiaen Thème et variations for Violin and Piano

Oliver Matthews piano

Beethoven Sonata in A flat
Rzewski Cotton Mills Blues  

Born in 2004, British-Serbian violinist Milan Jacobs [pictured] is a versatile performer currently pursuing his undergraduate studies at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire under the tutelage of Kyra Humphreys. A dynamic presence on the concert stage, Milan has cultivated a reputation as a highly adaptable musician with an expansive repertoire spanning solo, chamber, and orchestral disciplines.

Milan's recent highlights include collaborations at RBC's Shostakovich Festival, where he performed Schnittke's Quartet Canon in Memoriam of Igor Stravinsky alongside Kyra Humphreys and Carmen Flores. Further notable engagements include performances of Shostakovich's Quartet No.4 and Britten's Simple Symphony with the Fibonacci Quartet, as well as appearances at the Music on the Moor Festival with Krysia Osostowicz. He also attended Krysia Osostowicz's annual Easter Chamber Music Course and received extensive chamber music coaching.

Milan recently led and directed the RBC String Orchestra in the Bradshaw Hall and has frequently served in leadership roles within the RBC Symphony Orchestra, including tenures as Principal Second and Co-Leader. His artistic development has been further shaped by solo masterclasses with distinguished artists such as Ning Feng, Tasmin Little, Tamsin Waley-Cohen, Nathaniel Vallois, Eugene Tzikindelean, Bradley Creswick, and Catherine Yates. As a chamber musician, he has received intensive coaching from Robin Ireland, Krysia Osostowicz, Christoph Richter as well as the Kuss Quartet, Maxwell Quartet, and Quatuor Agate.

Milan serves as the Co-Director of the Leto u Progaru chamber music festival in Serbia. In this capacity, he oversees the festival's organization and provides mentorship and coaching to younger students, while appearing annually as a soloist and chamber musician.

Milan plays an Italian violin made in 1786 by Pietro Giovanni Mantegazza, generously loaned by Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Oliver Matthews is a classical pianist based in the West Midlands. After starting piano at the age of 13, he worked his way up to studying at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. He has partaken in numerous performances across London including at the highly-acclaimed Bechstein Hall and was recently invited as a guest performer to the Trinity School of Music in London. 

Oliver is also in demand as a teacher across numerous music establishments in the Midlands. He has experienced expert tutoring from world-renowned pianists including Rachel Chung, and has also performed to other classical musicians including, Pascal Rogé and Tiffany Poon. Oliver performed on the Channel 4 show The Piano, where he was highly acclaimed by the judges and demonstrated his skills to a large audience.

Running time approx. 55 minutes