The Soloists of Tchaikovksy Camerata brings together wonderful musicians who are passionate about carrying on the great tradition of the famous Russian School with the wonderful Western tradition of chamber music making. Formed by London based Russian violinist Yuri Zhislin in 2004, the ensemble comprises of musicians who have enviable lists of international awards and prizes. They regularly appear at major venues across Europe, including the Kings Place, St John's Smith Square and Cadogan Hall in London, as well as Salle Gaveau in Paris. The orchestra is committed to collaborating with younger players, which proves to be beneficial for the ensemble and plays an important role in the musical development of the young artists. The unique combination of the Russian School of instrumental playing and brilliant ensemble skills makes this group one of the most exciting and innovative ensembles on today's musical scene.

Nicola Hands and Jonathan Pease met at Cambridge University. After graduation the two formed a duo and have travelled across the UK to perform works for oboe, cor anglais and piano in venues including Winchester Cathedral, Bury Cathedral, Peterborough Cathedral, Waltham Abbey and St. George's Hanover Square. Whether introducing audiences to neglected masterpieces by Rubbra and Howells or providing fresh and innovating readings of famous works by Schumann and Saint-Saëns, Nicola and Jonathan's performances have been praised for their vitality, spontaneity and effortless ensemble. The duo plan to release their first CD later next year. Nicola Hands pursued her postgraduate studies as an oboist at the Royal Academy of Music, graduating from the Music Masters programme with Distinction in 2013, and was awarded the Evelyn Barbirolli prize for oboe and the Grimaldi Cor Anglais Scholarship. She won the concerto class of the Hastings Music Festival Concerto Competition. Nicola is currently the 2nd oboe/cor anglais player for the Orquestra do Norte, Portugal and is also a busy freelance player. She has played regularly with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Orpheus Sinfonia as well as many other orchestras around London. She has performed oboe concertos by Vaughan Williams, Mozart, Strauss, Albinoni and Marcello with various orchestras. After graduating from Cambridge, Jonathan Pease undertook further study as a pianist with Graham Fitch. He has an active freelance career as an accompanist and repetiteur. Jonathan holds the position of Director of Music at Christ Church, Isle of Dogs, and is also conductor of the Aldersbrook Community Choir and the East London Evensong Choir. He is also a prolific composer and librettist, having written several operas. He was a finalist in the 2012 English National Opera Mini Operas competition.

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