Rising Stars

Three to look out for…

Ren te Stivri a Composer

Born: Daugavpils, Latvia Career highlight:

The premiere of my song cycle Seven Moments at the Cross with the State Choir Latvia under the conductor M ris Sirmais. I was once lucky enough to sing in his youth choir, which gave me a brilliant education.

Musical hero: Pianist Hélène Grimaud has such respect for the sensitivities of musical timbre, while soprano Julia Lezhneva is intelligent and humble, with an incredible freedom to her voice.

Dream concert: I’d love to give a recital on the Cavaillé-coll organ in Warrington with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. And as a former dancer myself, I’d love to compose for contemporary ballet.

Ji Su Jung Percussionist

Born: Cheong ju,

South Korea

Career highlight:

About 15 years ago, I gave a concert at a juvenile centre in South Korea. Seeing their faces light up and sharing the joy of music was something I’ll never forget. Musical hero: Antonia Brico, the first woman to conduct the Berlin Philharmonic, fought to break down barriers for women in music. Her unrelenting ability never to back down in the face of challenging circumstances is inspiring.

Dream concert: A benefit concert for music students facing financial challenges. It’s my dream to have a foundation that gives guidance and direction to young musicians. Nuala Mckenna Cellist

Born: Kappeln, Germany Career highlight: Recording Solo, my debut album of works by Britten, Ligeti and Kodály. It’s a culmination of my process of connecting with solo repertoire, for which I’ve developed a deep love.

Musical hero: I admire violinist Isabelle Faust for her artistic outlook and her varied, sensitive interpretations and profound interest in a broad range of repertoire.

Dream concert: I remember listening to Debussy’s La mer for the first time in a dark campervan with my parents as a child, so

I’d love to play a solo concert in complete darkness allowing the audience a heightened experience of the sound.