Sonatas for Violin & Cello

This disc of string sonatas is the result of a chance conversation between violinist Mia Cooper and Philip Shields, librarian at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin. Philip was in the process of digitising the library's catalog and enlightened Mia as to Michele Esposito's importance not only in terms of the Academy's history but also as the figurehead for musical life in Dublin around the turn of the twentieth century.

Mia Cooper has lived in Dublin since her appointment as leader of the RTE Concert Orchestra in 2006. She previously held principal positions with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and City of London Sinfonia, has appeared as guest leader of many of the UK's symphony orchestras and freelanced with London's finest chamber orchestras and ensembles.

William Butt studied at the Royal Northern College of Music with Moray Welsh furthered his studies with Antonio Lysy in Montreal. He now enjoys a busy career as soloist, chamber musician and is professor of cello at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin.

Since winning 1st prize at the Tomassoni International Piano Competition, Cologne in 2001, Lance Coburn has performed intentionally as both concerto soloist and recitalist. Lance also broadcasts frequently for radio Deutsche Welle, BBC Radio 3, RTE Lyric FM (Ireland) and ABC FM (Australia).