Winchester residents Théa-Rose Lester Mumford and Erlend Vestby are graduates of the University of Exeter and the Royal College of Music and now lead a busy freelance life as performing cellists. Between them they have performed with Piccadilly Sinfonietta, British Sinfonietta, Westminster Opera Company, Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra, Sutton Philharmonic, Brandenburg Sinfonia and Baroque Soloists, Gabrieli, Orchestra Nova, Florilegium, Romsey Abbey Sinfonietta and Southbank Sinfonia to name but a few. They are both keen teachers and lead active private cello classes in Winchester, the New Forest and London. Théa-Rose has a particular love for the romantic sonatas and is looking forward to further solo recitals exploring this genre. She also gained a place in The Hush Collective, formed in late 2024, performing ‘In The Dark’ shows across London to critical acclaim. She has won multiple awards and competitions for her playing, including the highly reputed local Music at Beaulieu Senior Awards, and has performed across the UK and in Europe. Erlend is highly in demand as a chamber musician and is active in historical performance on baroque cello as well as exploring early 20th century performance style. As a recitalist Erlend has frequently appeared at St John’s Smith Square, in the Classic FM Christmas Concert 2022, and has done the full Bach Cello Suite cycle at the Dart Music Festival. Besides his performing career he spends his time composing and arranging music as well as undertaking research. Théa-Rose enjoys creating their programmes while Erlend writes all of the arrangements for the duo. Formed in 2024 The Duettists have performed across the South of the UK in Croydon Minster, Winchester Cathedral, for the Museum of Music History, and for numerous private events.
