Review of Guy Johnston ( ‘cello) and Melvyn Tan (piano) in Ely Cathedral

After the inaugural event of the Isle of Ely Arts Festival this year: a workshop with budding young cellists, these highly talented musicians gave a splendid concert in Ely Cathedral.
The programme was varied but the performance was constant: a performance that can only be described as outstanding. Their phenomenal technique was immediately apparent as they demonstrated a wide range of sound and touch.
Guy produced some of the most musical and precise sounds I have heard from a ‘cello. His prowess was exemplified by agility and clarity in the Bach, amazingly powerful and well balanced double-stopping in the Turnage, sheer beauty and sonority in the Mendelssohn, notable intensity and sensitivity in the Schubert, potent bowing in the Chopin and very moving expression in the Fauré.
His talent was well matched by Melvyn Tan’s piano playing. Melvyn accompanied with real empathy and in the Chopin particularly, his fantastic flair and virtuosic agility were unforgettable.
This was an excellent concert, giving the Isle of Ely Arts Festival a tremendous start.