News and Commentary

Over the years I’ve recorded hundreds of discs—mostly orchestral, of course—and worked with some of the best classical music producers in

In December 2020, I commissioned a new cello from the esteemed Luthier Stephan von Baehr. Now it’s arrived. And it’s stunning! We launched straight into a busy first week together with concerts every day featuring repertoire including Beethoven op 102 no 1, Svendsen Octet, Schoenberg Pierrot Lunaire and Smetana piano trio; The cello came out trumps every night. Stephan poured all his expertise and passion into building this instrument, and I will forever be grateful.

My recording of the William Walton Cello Concerto with John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London has been nominated for the BBC Music Magazine Awards 2026. That is actually really quite fun. You can vote for your favourite. Of course I’d be delighted to receive some votes, but please do listen to the other two nominees as well—and vote for them instead if that’s where your heart leads. My gratitude to maestro John—my musical soulmate and just mate—and to the Sinfonia of London.

On November 25, Chandos released my recording of Walton’s cello concerto with John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London. At the time I felt slightly ambivalent towards how the recording would be received by the public and the press. John, the orchestra and I knew what this recording meant to us. Very few stones had been left unturned in the process of preparing and recording this extraordinary work. The reception was nevertheless overwhelming; five star reviews in the Guardian,

Cellist Jonathan Aasgaard is featured as the soloist in the highly acclaimed 2025 Chandos recording of William Walton’s Cello Concerto , released late in the year to widespread praise. Partnered with conductor John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London , Aasgaard’s interpretation has been hailed for its emotional depth and technical brilliance, with critics lauding his compelling engagement with the work’s most demanding passages — particularly the extended cadenzas. The album

So, our recording of the 3 Debussy sonatas have been released (digitally for the time being). It’s been a great collective effort and though the 3 Works call for 3 different ensemble it feels like the work of one, we’re a good team. The added challenge for me was to produce the cello and violin sonata; it was fun, but also extremely daunting. Ian Buckle produced the trio sonata. i hope this recording will reach a lot of people. It’s great music and we’ve put our hearts and so

Just back from Sunnmøre Chamber Music Festival. 6 concerts, all in locations of breathtaking natural beauty. I feel refreshed and energised. Thanks Annar and Wolfgang for inviting me. Next, a week of recording sessions with Seth MacFarlain at Abbey Road.

Wow, spine tinglingly exciting concert at the proms, the “Warner Bross Story” with the John Wilson Orchestra. Photo: Having a laugh with desk partner Tim. May I quote jwo first trumpet extraordinaire Mike Lovatt, “the good old days are NOW”. check out on iplayer http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0007f4y

My friend James Wafer www.bluewhistledesign.com who designed my website, has collaborated with Mark Palombella Hart www.palombellahart.com to produce this portrait. Not the average publicity shot. cheers James

Back in Newry, NI. Quartet recital with the Fews + walks in the mourne.  Thanks Mia, Joanne and Rose .

After a run of sell-out concerts with the Pixels in Oxford, Ilkley, Cheltenham and Liverpool, we finished in Conway hall, London with trios by Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. When on stage, your company means everything!!! Thanks Sophy and Ian.

Latest Weinberg instalment tonight with my compatriot, fabulous pianist Kristian Lindberg. A concert focusing on the relationship between Shostakovich and Weinberg, both personally and professionally. One of the most interesting double acts in all history of music, surely...?