INTERNATIONAL cellist Bartholomew LaFollette, who has been described “as free in touching the heartstrings as he was in dashing off dazzling runs”, will perform in Somerset in April.

LaFollette is an award-winning soloist and chamber musician with many noteworthy achievements to his name.

He studied at the Yehudi Menuhin School and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. 

His career was launched by the Young Classical Artists Trust and he has performed at many prestigious venues, including Wigmore Hall, Barbican Centre, Bridgwater Hall and Royal Festival Hall.

LaFollette’s outstanding ability was recognised in 2013 when he won first prize at The Arts Club’s and Decca Records’ Classical Music Award. 

He was also the first person to receive the Irish Chamber Orchestra’s Ardan Award.

Highlights from LaFollette’s career include performances with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and, as a soloist with the City of London Sinfonia. 

He performs frequently with the award winning Doric String Quartet and at just 26 years of age, in 2011, he became principal cello teacher at the Yehudi Menuhin School.

He will be joined by Caroline Palmer, who also studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and was a finalist in the Busoni competition. 

The performance will take place at the Ilminster Arts Centre and the musical programme for the evening includes: JS Bach Cello Suite No 4 In E Flat Major; Schubert Arpeggione Sonata In A Minor D821; Britten Cello Sonata In C Major (1960); Brahms Cello Sonata No 2 In F, Op. 99 LaFollette’s concert takes place at Ilminster Arts Centre at The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster on April 7 at 8pm.

Pre-concert suppers at 7pm - £14 advance booking required or tickets: £15.

There will also be a bar and café.