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Sebastian Comberti to leave LMP after 40 memorable years as Principal Cello

Tuesday, 7 January, 2025/in Blog, News /by Anna Bennett

All of us at LMP wish Sebastian Comberti a very fond farewell as he steps down as our Principal Cello in Summer 2025. Sebastian joined LMP as Principal Cello in 1983 and has played a crucial role in shaping who LMP are today. “It’s no easy task summarising the impact Sebastian has had on […]

Jessica Coleman (Chair sponsored by Alistair & Liz Milliken)

New Appointment – Jessica Coleman as Violin 1, No.3

Friday, 22 November, 2024/in Blog, News /by Anna Bennett

We’re very excited to announce that Jessica Coleman has been appointed as LMP Violin 1, No.3. Born in Aberdeen, Jessica was fortunate enough to grow up in a musical household. Her first orchestra tour was to China when she was 9 years old, and it would seem she never looked back! Now, Jessica enjoys performing […]

Sebastian Comberti to leave LMP after 40 memorable years as Principal Cello

Tuesday, 7 January, 2025/in Blog, News /by Anna Bennett

New Appointment – Jessica Coleman as Violin 1, No.3

Friday, 22 November, 2024/in Blog, News /by Anna Bennett

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Sebastian Comberti to leave LMP after 40 memorable years as Principal Cello

Tuesday, 7 January, 2025/in Blog, News /by Anna Bennett

“It’s no easy task summarising the impact Sebastian has had on LMP – not least because he has been an integral part of our orchestra for over 40 years. Sebastian’s involvement, ranging from his role as Principal Cello, contributing to our meaningful education work, programming our much loved Eastbourne residency and of course his important role on the LMP Board, is admirable and we are so grateful for his dedication. I speak for many when I say Sebastian will be much missed and we wish him the very best for the future.”
– Flynn Le Brocq, Chief Executive

“Sebastian has been an integral part of LMP for over four decades. He has been a source of inspiration to me with his musical integrity, his wealth of knowledge and experience as well as his inimitable honesty and charm. Sebastian played a vital role in steering the LMP out of murky waters and into the warmer seas it currently sails. He has curated many sensational Eastbourne programmes with informative, interesting and educational talks. I have loved playing chamber music with him and have learnt a huge amount from him. It is impossible to measure just how much he has given to LMP and the orchestra owes him a huge debt of gratitude. He will be deeply missed.”
– Ruth Rogers, Leader

“Sebastian is an LMP legend – in my mind he is synonymous with the orchestra. He has been principal cello for over 40 years, and brings his accumulated wisdom and experience to every concert, yet still arrives at rehearsals buzzing with new ideas, constantly searching out new repertoire and finding ways to refresh the old. It’s hard to imagine LMP without him!”
– Simon Blendis, Leader

“Sebastian is so full of knowledge and joy for the music he is performing, not to mention an utterly fearless cellist. It has been an amazing time being in a section with him these last 25 years. His enthusiasm for the cello, his thirst for discovering new repertoire and his stylistic awareness has been inspiring. Many good and happy memories. It is the end of an era!”
– Sarah Butcher, Cello

“Sebastian joined LMP about 40 years ago and as I was already member, I was delighted when this young, fresh and superb Cellist joined us. He then played consistently beautifully ever since. When the players took over running the orchestra in 2016, Sebastian became an invaluable member of the Board of Directors. His clear thinking, combined with his ability to offer thoughtful and often refreshing alternative perspectives, made a significant contribution to the group. Sebastian has also always been a very kind and caring person and will be missed hugely. Thank you for everything.”
– Peter Wright, Trumpet

New Appointment – Jessica Coleman as Violin 1, No.3

Friday, 22 November, 2024/in Blog, News /by Anna Bennett

We’re very excited to announce that Jessica Coleman has been appointed as LMP Violin 1, No.3.

Born in Aberdeen, Jessica was fortunate enough to grow up in a musical household. Her first orchestra tour was to China when she was 9 years old, and it would seem she never looked back! Now, Jessica enjoys performing and touring with groups such as London Philharmonic Orchestra, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and BBC Symphony Orchestra.

After attending Chetham’s School of Music, Jessica spent some time in Oslo studying with Stephan Barratt-Due, then went on to complete her undergraduate degree at the Royal College of Music with teachers Detlef Hahn and Gaby Lester. Whilst at RCM, Jessica formed a successful string quartet with friends. The quartet performed together for five years at venues such as Wigmore Hall, Kings Place, Conway Hall and the Elgar Room at the Royal Albert Hall.

Jessica feels her passions for both orchestral playing and chamber music come together in her work at LMP, and she is delighted to continue her journey with us.