About Us

History

Peter Fender had two wonderful holidays in the town of Scicli in south-east Sicily in 2013 and 2014, having been captivated by the TV series Sicily Unpacked and the Sicilian detective drama, Inspector Montalbano.  Then, in Summer 2014, he led his first orchestral course in that lovely corner of Sicily, and (Covid years aside) it’s been going ever since. 2024 sees the first orchestral course in Lugo, in Emilia Romagna, close to Ravenna and Bologna, another stunning location.

Then, Peter visited the Convento dell’Angelo (which houses the Montegral Academy) in 2023. He was stunned by its beautiful location, and the sense of history within the buildings themselves. He was given a warm welcome, and has devised a different type of course, one focussed on the music itself – and yet, one within a wonderful, empowering building and landscape, with great local food and wine.

Comments

Here are some comments from some of the many people who have been on Peter’s courses:

“Probably one of the best courses of its kind.  Wonderful music in a fabulous location.” – RC, double bass.

“I love this course.   Playing good music is always enjoyable, but to do so in such a beautiful place, with good weather pretty much guaranteed – what could be better?” – LH, oboe

“Music course with a difference: good music, good wine, good food, good friends and good fun.” – MM, horn

Who’s Who

Peter Fender began his musical career as an early music specialist, playing the violin regularly with groups such as the Academy of Ancient Music, the Sixteen and the Hanover Band.  More recently his focus has shifted towards conducting and composing.  In 2007 he formed the orchestra Philharmonia Britannica, keen to create interesting juxtapositions by mixing music with other art forms – such as acting, poetry, dance, comedy or video.  He is also currently the musical director of The Angel Orchestra, and the 6 Centuries Chamber Choir.  Aside from his native England he has conducted across Europe.  Known for his innovative programming, he has conducted many works by unjustly neglected female composers, including Imogen Holst, Ethel Smyth, Amy Beach and Louise Farrenc.

As well as a teaching music for many years in a variety of settings (teaching conducting, violin, viola and music theory), Peter has composed a wide variety of music (orchestral, choral, chamber music, songs, solo piano, and music for computer games) and has released three CDs of his music. As an arranger and editor he has worked on music by composers such as Imogen Holst, Ethel Smyth, Monteverdi and Haydn. Full details of his musical activities (plus a short film about him) are on his website.

Peter has travelled extensively within Italy, loves the language and the culture and has friends throughout the country – and he feels that a year is not a proper one unless it contains at least three Italian trips!

The Alkyona Quartet is known for its captivating performances and warm connection with audiences. Described as “vibrant and memorable as their ‘Kingfisher’ namesake,” the quartet has been recognised in the music community for its unique artistry. They were Tunnell Trust Award Holders for 2020-2021 and Making Music Selected Artists for 2021-2022. The group are currently the Royal College of Music String Quartet Fellows from 2022 to 2024.

In 2023 they were guests at the Melbourne Quartetthaus Festival in Australia and Lichfield International Festival, and in 2024 are looking forward to a residency at the Lake District Summer Music Festival, and in Mallorca for Kirker Holidays. They were New Generation Artists at the Stift International Music Festival 2019 and are looking forward to performances at the Huygens Festival where they have been guesrs for the last 4 years, as well as appearing at numerous music societies both at home and abroad.

The quartet’s love for cross-disciplinary collaborations has led them to be the Ensemble in Residence at Leighton House Museum from 2019 to 2023. Their artistic ventures extend to partnerships with the Latin American band Quimantu, tabla player Kuljit Bhamra, and the dance company The Dutch Don’t Dance Division. In 2024, their recording of composer Anibal Vidal’s ‘Unboxing a Music Box’, a piece written for the Alkyona Quartet, was released by Sello Modular. They released their debut album, “Intimate Letters’ in June 2020 with Cegin Productions.

Emma Purslow – violin

British born Emma Purslow is a violinist and violist working as a chamber musician, educator, soloist and orchestral player in the UK and abroad.

She is first violin of the Alkyona String Quartet, with whom she is currently Royal College of Music String Quartet Fellow 2022-2024. She has also recently enjoyed guest performing with the Navarra Quartet, Sacconi Quartet and Explore Ensemble, and as as a chamber musician at festivals including Presteigne, Stamford International, Helsinki, and Melbourne Quartetthaus. Emma enjoys a varied orchestral career performing regularly as a member of O/Modernt Chamber Orchestra, and as a freelancer with orchestras including the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales as well as many others around the UK. Emma led the Street Orchestra of London between 2016-2019. Described by the Guardian as “truly uplifting” this 40-piece ensemble brings live performance to those unable to access it.

Emma is a sought-after teacher and educator, with a position teaching at Chetham’s School of Music, and as a workshop leader for London Mozart Players. She also coaches regularly at the National Children’s Orchestra and Royal College of Music Junior Department. She is active on the folk music scene in London as a member of Anglo-Chilean band Quimantu, and works closely with them creating opportunities for people of all cultures to express themselves through music.

Marike Kruup – violin

Marike Kruup is an accomplished Estonian violinist based in London, known for her captivating performances and dedication to music and music education. Her vibrant artistry and versatility have earned her recognition as a sought-after chamber musician in small and large ensembles around Europe, including as a founding member of the Estonian Festival Orchestra with conductor Paavo Järvi.

Another key part of her musical identity is the Alkyona String Quartet, which Marike joined in 2020. The quartet has just completed two years as String Quartet Fellows at the Royal College of Music in London, the Quartet performs regularly around the UK and the Netherlands. In 2023, the Alkyonas were one of the ensembles in residence at the ANAM Quartetthaus Festival in Melbourne, alongside the Australian and Marmen String Quartets.

Beyond her performances, Marike is dedicated to pedagogy and carries on a family legacy of teaching. Since 2019, she has served as a faculty member at the Rachmaninov Music Academy in London, nurturing a talented class of violin students. She actively engages in educational projects to inspire and educate young musicians,including as Education Leader for the At the World’s Edge Festival. 

Clare Newton – viola

British violist Claire Louise Newton has established herself as a versatile and accomplished performer- known for her dynamic performances as both a chamber and orchestral musician. She has performed with renowned ensembles such as the Brodsky Quartet and the Nash Ensemble and her talent has led her to perform at festivals including the West Cork and North York Moors Chamber Music Festivals.  Additionally, she has recorded with the Vuillaume Quartet under the Linn Records label.

She frequently performs with esteemed orchestras including the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, and the London Symphony Orchestra- and is equally at home with Chamber Orchestras such as Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields and London Mozart Players.  Her experience has led to invitations as Guest Principal Viola with the English National Opera, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, RTÉ, and the City of London Sinfonia. As a sought-after session musician, Claire regularly records for film and television also.

Passionate about music education, Claire has served as viola coach for the National Children’s Orchestra, the London Schools Symphony Orchestra, and Pro Corda’s Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Courses. Her teaching experience extends to the Junior Royal Academy of Music and the charity ‘Play for Progress,’ where she provided musical activities and tuition for unaccompanied child refugees.

Claire began her formal studies at the Royal Northern College of Music under the guidance of Louise Lansdown and continued her education at the Royal Academy of Music with Martin Outram. Her talent was recognised with the ABRSM Scholarship, among other awards that supported her studies. Claire earned numerous prizes for her performances, both as a soloist and as a chamber musician.

Jobine Siekman – violoncello

Dutch cellist Jobine Siekman, BBC Music Magazine ‘Rising Star’ artist, is quickly building her career as an exceptional chamber musician and soloist. She was a prize winner of the Cellobiennale Amsterdam Competition and the RCM Anna Shuttleworth ‘Bach’ Prize. Jobine is a member of several successful ensembles like the Alkyona Quartet, StringWood Ensemble, Delphine Trio and Chloé Trio with whom she performs regularly in the UK and the Netherlands. In 2019 she was awarded the Mills Williams Junior Fellowship supported by the Royal College of Music in London, where she previously completed a Bachelor and a Masters of Performance. Highlights include performances at Carnegie Hall, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, Elgar Room in Royal Albert Hall, Kings Place.

Jobine was featured in the ‘In Focus’ film performing the sixth Bach Suite and newly commissioned works on the ‘Amaryllis Fleming’-Amati cello piccolo. She has appeared as soloist with orchestra with the Schumann, Shostakovich, Haydn, CPE Bach, Saint-Saëns and Beethoven (triple) concertos. BBC 3 broadcasted her performance of Webern’s 2 pieces for cello and piano and published music online which was recorded at Abbey Road Studios. The Delphine Trio released their debut album ‘Adrift’ last February which was well received. In 2022 she launched a concert series in Groningen, performing the full cycle of Bach suites and has since successfully continued the series. She also enjoys performing on baroque cello, and with the Latin-American band Quimantu.

Jobine plays a 18th century Lefèbvre cello and a Fétique bow that she generously has on loan from the National Instrument Foundation.