Friendships between major composers are often important and mutually beneficial, and they shed light on our perception and enjoyment of their music. Schumann and Brahms, Stravinsky and Debussy, Wagner and Liszt, Holst and Vaughan Williams – in each case one life was influenced, aided, inspired and affected by the other in real and tangible ways. So it was, however unlikely it might seem, with Grieg and Delius.

Raphael Wallfisch is one of the most celebrated cellists performing on the international stage. Raphael has recorded nearly every major work for his instrument. His extensive discography explores both the mainstream concerto repertoire and countless lesser-known works. He has recorded a wide range of British cello concertos, including works by MacMillan, Finzi, Delius, Bax, Bliss, Britten, Moeran, Walton and Kenneth Leighton.

Britain's leading composers have worked closely with Raphael, many having written works especially for him, including Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Kenneth Leighton, James MacMillan, John Metcalf, Paul Patterson, Robert Simpson, Robert Saxton, Roger Smalley, Giles Swayne, John Tavener and Adrian Williams.

Following studies in London, Paris (where he won the International Debussy Prize) and Vienna, John York’s career has taken him around the world, the majority of his work being with cellist Raphael Wallfisch and York2 piano duo. Before these duos became established, some 25 years ago, he had played concertos with such orchestras as the London Mozart Players and the LPO, founded the successful York Piano Trio and Piano Quartet and accompanied a list of illustrious performers in the UK, Canada, Australia, the USA and many other countries. He was, for 33 years, Professor at the Guildhall and, for 20 years, Senior Music Head at St Paul’s Girls’ School in London, a position from which he has only just retired.