An Elegant Evening of Classical Music, Cocktails & Canapés at Clifton Hall Great House

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Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Dress Code: Elegantly Casual
Smart, comfortable, and refined attire encouraged.

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Shlomi Shahaf

Violinist

Shlomi Shahaf, born in December 2006, is an exceptional Ukrainian violinist whose technical mastery and expressive depth have earned him recognition as one of the most exciting young talents on the international classical music stage… 

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Phoebe Papandrea

Pianist

Award-winning British-Italian pianist Phoebe Papandrea was born in London in 2007. She began taking piano lessons at the age of 3 and rapidly gained international recognition for her exceptional talent and artistry. Papandrea’s early passion for music quickly… 

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Evening Menu

A curated selection of gourmet canapés and desserts, paired with fine cocktails – designed to complement a night of timeless classical music.

Classical Music Evening at Clifton Hall

Experience a refined night of music, canapés, and cocktails in a stunning historic setting.

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Shlomi Shahaf Performs Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto with BBCNOW

An electrifying performance with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales – a testament to Shlomi’s virtuosity and global acclaim.

Phoebe Papandrea in Performance

Experience the brilliance of one of the world’s most promising young pianists through two captivating performances showcasing technical mastery and emotional depth.

A Unique & Personal Experience

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an admirer of fine architecture, or simply looking for an enchanting experience, the Clifton Hall tour offers a rare opportunity to step inside one of Barbados’ most remarkable estates. 

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    Shlomi Shahaf

    Ukrainian Violin Virtuoso | BBC Young Musician Finalist

    About Shlomi shahaf

    A Journey Through Music

    Shlomi Shahaf, born in December 2006, is a gifted Ukrainian violinist recognised for his technical mastery, emotional depth, and magnetic stage presence. As a finalist in the prestigious BBC Young Musician Competition, Shlomi is quickly emerging as one of the most compelling young talents on the international classical music scene.

    He began his musical education at age four, studying both violin and piano. His early training took place at Kiev’s Lysenko Specialized Music School, providing a solid foundation in classical performance. From 2019 to 2022, he studied at the Central Music School of Tchaikovsky in Moscow under Professor Vinnitsky, where his artistry deepened and matured.

    Shlomi’s development has been enriched through masterclasses with world-renowned violinists including Shlomo Mintz, Hagai Shaham, Dmitry Sitkovetsky, and Itzhak Roshkovsky. These sessions helped shape his distinctive interpretive style and broaden his musical vocabulary.

    He has performed as a soloist with major orchestras across Ukraine, and after relocating to the UK, with prestigious ensembles like the BBC Wales Symphony Orchestra and London Symphony Orchestra. His talent has been recognised in international competitions across Poland, the UK, Romania, and Moldova, where he consistently earned top prizes.

    Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Shlomi moved to London and is currently enrolled at The Purcell School, studying under Charles Sewart while preparing for his A-levels.

    He has graced esteemed venues such as:

    • Southbank Centre, London

    • Millennium Centre, Cardiff

    • St. James’s Church, Piccadilly 

    Deemed by the judges of the BBC young musician of the year to become one of the worlds greatest violinists “ this modest 18 year old is definitely one to watch. He really can captivate the soul and reduced those listening to him to tears with the beauty of his playing.

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    Notably, he performed during the coronation events of King Charles’ family in Paris, a significant moment in his young career.

    In 2024, Shlomi reached the Grand Final of the BBC Young Musician Competition, earning widespread praise for his musical sensitivity and artistic maturity.   

    "Shlomi Shahaf is not just a young violinist with talent—he is a musician with vision, depth, and a powerful future ahead."

    1827 Pressenda,
    Loaned by J&A Beare

    The Instrument Behind the Sound

    At the core of Shlomi Shahaf’s sound is a rare and historic instrument: a 1827 violin by Giovanni Francesco Pressenda, generously loaned by J&A Beare, one of the world’s most respected violin dealers.

    This remarkable violin is prized for:

    • Its warm, rich tone

    • Exceptional resonance

    • A refined, nuanced response perfect for solo performance 

    Crafted with precision and artistry nearly two centuries ago, the Pressenda has become an integral extension of Shlomi’s musical expression. It enhances his ability to deliver deeply emotional, technically stunning performances that captivate audiences.

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    Playing such a distinguished instrument is both an honour and a responsibility. Shlomi approaches it with humility, reverence, and a sense of musical stewardship. It is more than a violin; it is a bridge between heritage and potential—supporting a young artist destined for greatness.

     Thanks to J&A Beare, this instrument continues to inspire not just the musician, but also the music itself.  

    Signature Performances

    Memorable moments from stages across the globe.

    From Schubert to Rachmaninoff, Shlomi’s repertoire spans centuries, revealing both breadth and depth in his interpretations. He has performed as a soloist with orchestras, in chamber ensembles, and in solo recitals, leaving lasting impressions through each bow stroke. 

    BBC Young Musician Finalist
    An elite platform, a defining moment. Shlomi’s performance in the prestigious BBC Young Musician Competition marked a pivotal moment in his career. With compelling expression and technical brilliance, he stood out as a finalist — captivating both jury and audience. This stage showcased his ability to deliver emotionally charged interpretations under immense pressure, confirming his place among the finest young talents in classical music today.
    Southbank Centre, London
    A home for great music, a moment of grace. At London’s Southbank Centre, Shlomi demonstrated the maturity and presence of a seasoned artist. His performance resonated through the hall with a nuanced tone and emotional clarity, establishing his ability to connect deeply with listeners in one of the UK’s most iconic venues.
    Coronation Event – Paris
    A royal occasion, an unforgettable performance. Shlomi was invited to perform at the Coronation Celebration of King Charles’ family in Paris — a prestigious and symbolic honor. With poise and elegance, his performance added a timeless classical note to a historic event, earning admiration from dignitaries and fellow musicians alike.
    Millennium Centre, Cardiff
    Where sound meets architecture. Performing at the Wales Millennium Centre, Shlomi enchanted audiences with a refined program and commanding stage presence. His ability to balance technical control with artistic spontaneity left a lasting impression on those in attendance.
    St. James's Piccadilly
    Intimacy meets impact. In the elegant setting of St. James’s Piccadilly, Shlomi delivered a masterful recital that blended intimacy with intensity. His tone, phrasing, and interpretation revealed the depth of his artistry — an experience both powerful and personal for those who witnessed it.

    Hear the Music

    In Focus

    Behind-the-scenes and live performance photography.

    What Critics Say

    "Shlomi Shahaf commands the stage with poise and passion. A young artist of extraordinary promise."
    — Classical Music Today
    "His interpretation of Chopin was nothing short of hauntingly beautiful."
    — The Evening Philharmonic

    Shlomi Shahaf

    Phoebe Papandrea – Award-Winning British-Italian Pianist

    Award-winning British-Italian pianist Phoebe Papandrea was born in London in 2007. She began taking piano lessons at the age of 3 and rapidly gained international recognition for her exceptional talent and artistry. Papandrea’s early passion for music quickly translated into outstanding achievements, with invitations to perform at The Royal Festival Hall London aged 4, Carnegie Hall aged 12, and Wigmore Hall aged 15.

    She was awarded her Diploma in Piano Performance by the age of 10 and received a scholarship to attend the oldest specialist music school in Britain — The Purcell School for Young Musicians — where she currently studies piano with Head of Keyboard, Professor William Fong.

    International competition success has seen Papandrea awarded First Prize in every competition she entered last season, including: The César Franck, The Béla Bartók, Pianale Fulda, IMF Paris, Mimas Italy, IPPA Conero Kansas, WPTA Italy, Livorno Junior, Pacific Stars LA, and most recently, The Master Orchestra Concerto Competition Italy 2025.

    She is a frequent guest and scholarship holder at renowned music festivals and academies across Europe. In 2024, she attended Piano Academy Eppan, Pianale Piano Festival Fulda, Piano Loop Festival Croatia, Hanse Piano Festival Hannover, Piano Festival Paris, Feuerwerk Einbeck Academy, Mimas Festival Procida, and The Piano Concerto Festival Florence.

    Papandrea has performed in public masterclasses with prestigious concert pianists and pedagogues from around the world, including Akiko Ebi, Matti Raekallio, Elena Levit, Arie Vardi, Norma Fisher, Andrea Bonita, Natalia Trull, and Dina Yoffe.

    She has toured Germany, Italy, and France, and given recitals in concert halls from Vienna to Singapore — with recent solo performances at Wigmore Hall and Carnegie Hall.

    As a soloist, Papandrea has had the privilege of performing with The Hessen Classic Players Fulda, The Watford Symphony Orchestra, The Purcell Sinfonia, The Mihail Jora Philharmonic Orchestra of Bacau, Orchestra Il Contrapunto Florence, and The César Franck Chamber Orchestra Brussels.

    Described by Arie Vardi as “a true musician and true artist,” Papandrea shares her passion for music on stage with a distinct personality, intelligence, and innate understanding of the music she performs. 

    Phoebe Papandrea Curriculum Vitae

    • British-Italian Pianist | Date of birth: 16th May 2007 | Place of birth: London, U.K.
    • Performance Diploma Qualifications: DipABRSM, ATCL, LTCL
    • Music Education: 2018 – present: The Purcell School for Young Musicians, UK
    • Piano Professor 2024 – present: William Fong
    • Piano Professor 2023 – present: Elena Levit (Private)
    • Piano Professors 2018 – 2024: Caterina Grewe/Jianing Kong
    • Piano Professor 2010 – 2018: Grant Mead
    • Other: violin, trumpet, conducting, composition

    First Prizes at International Piano Competitions 2022 – 2025

    • 2025 First Prize – Concerto Competition – Master Orchestra Brescia, Italy
    • 2025 First Prize – Piano Category Final – Purcell Senior Concerto Competition, UK
    • 2024 Publikumspreis – Pianale Piano Academy & Competition, Fulda, Germany
    • 2024 First Prize – Pacific Stars International Piano Competition, LA, USA
    • 2024 First Prize – Mimas International Music Competition, Procida, Italy
    • 2024 First Prize – VII International Music Festival Paris, France
    • 2024 First Prize – IPPA Conero International Piano Competition, Kansas, USA
    • 2024 First Prize – The VIII International Béla Bartók Piano Competition, Graz, Austria
    • 2024 First Prize – WPTA Italy International Piano Competition, Italy
    • 2023 First Prize – XI César Franck International Piano Competition, Kraainem, Belgium
    • 2023 First Prize – VII Livorno International Piano Competition Premio Galletta, Italy
    • 2022 First Prize – XXIV Pietro Argento International Piano Competition, Italy
    • 2022 First Prize – Orbetello International Piano Competition, Italy
    • 2022 First Prize – XXVIII Mladi Virtuozi Zagreb, Croatia

    Recent Awards and Scholarships

    • 2025 Scholarship Award & Concerto Concert Prize – Piano Concerto Festival, Paris
    • 2025 Scholarship Award & Gala Concert Invitation – IPPA Piano Festival, Italy
    • 2025 Concerto Concert Award – Watford Symphony Orchestra, Watford, UK
    • 2025 Wigmore Hall Concert Winner – Purcell Chamber Music Competition
    • 2024 Concerto Concert Award – Pianale Piano Festival, Fulda, Germany
    • 2024 Carnegie Hall Gala Invitation – Pacific Stars Award Ceremony, New York
    • 2024 Academy Invitation Award – Piano Academy Eppan, Appiano, South Tyrol, Italy
    • 2024 Concerto Silver Medal Winner – 32nd International Città di Cantù Competition, Italy
    • 2024 Béla Bartók Gold Medal – The International Béla Bartók Piano Competition, Austria
    • 2024 Scholarship Award – Feuerwerk Einbeck Piano Academy, Germany
    • 2024 Concerto Prize Winner – César Frank International Competition, Brussels
    • 2023 Concerto Prize Winner – Talent Music Concerto Competition, Brescia, Italy
    • 2022 Wigmore Hall Concert Winner – The Purcell Solo Recital Competition, London, UK
    • 2022 Scholarship Award & Soroptimist Prize – Pianale International Competition, Germany
    • 2022 Scholarship Award – Orbetello International Piano Festival and Academy, Italy
    • 2022 Concerto Concert Prize Winner – Purcell Concerto Competition, London, UK
    • 2018-2025 UK Government MDS Music Education Scholarship