Cristina Cooper (Cello) and Alis An (Piano)

We welcome two talented young musicians – Christing Cooper and Alis An, both almumi of the Royal College of Music.

Cristina Cooper is a dynamic and versatile cellist whose career spans orchestral, chamber, theatre, and recording work. She has performed across prestigious venues and collaborated with esteemed ensembles, establishing herself as a sought-after musician in the UK and beyond.

Cristina’s earned her Postgraduate Artist Diploma in Cello under Derek Aviss, OBE, in 2021, following a Master of Performance in Cello at the Royal College of Music, London, where she studied with Richard Lester and Helene Dautry. She previously completed her Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance under David Kenedy, receiving multiple awards for her outstanding contributions.

Alis An

With a rich and diverse career, Cristina continues to captivate audiences with her expressive playing, technical brilliance, and dedication to both performance and education.

Alis An, a Canadian pianist and Doctor of Music candidate at the Royal College of Music, is pursuing her research under the guidance of Christina Guillaumier and Danny Driver, supported by an RCM Studentship.

Alis’ concerts have taken her across Canada, France, Italy, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and the UK; recent highlights include an appearance as the soloist for Chopin’s Concerto No. 1 with the Orchestra dell’Università di Milano-Bicocca, in Autumn 2023, at Villa Olmo. Her performing experience, which extends to non-traditional repertoire, led her to collaborate with groups such as London-based contemporary music ensemble Cat’s Cradle Collective. Additionally, her performances for contemporary music initiative 900presente’s productions, including Bruno Maderna’s Don Perlimplin (2020) and Philippe Manoury’s Hypothèses du sextuor (2022), were broadcast on Radiotelevisione Svizzera.

Repertoire first half  

• Ralph Vaughan Williams – Six studies in English Folksong
• Felix Mendelssohn – Song without words, Op. 109
• Leos Janacek – Pohadka

Intermission with tea and biscuits 

Repertoire second half

• Frederic Chopin, Cello and piano sonata in G minor, Op. 65