With this work I have been fortunate enough to combine 2 big passions of mine: photography & music. I was entrusted with creating images for the production of a CD of classical music in support of Hope & Homes for Children, a charity that helps orphaned, abandoned or vulnerable children to re-establish a sense of family in their life . The CD will be raising money for children in Eastern Europe.

There are some brilliant musicians involved, including Chinese violin virtuoso Xia Xia Zhang. Xia Xia Zhang is recognised in China as the most gifted violin player of her generation. She has played as concert soloist with all the major Chinese orchestras, regularly performing to thousands in the most prestigious venues. Media and music critics in China have continually recognised her as the foremost violin virtuoso to emerge in recent years. Her recent televised performances at the Chinese New Year concerts were described by the press as “unforgettable!”. This new classical music charity CD is set to be released in April. The CD’s will be available to buy from Amazon. It will be advertised in major UK music magazines as well as expected features on many classical music radio stations worldwide.

My role in this important project was to photograph the main artist Xia Xia for the CD cover, press-release and promotion of the album. Both our 2 sessions took place at the Royal Academy of Music in London. In our second session I had the privilege to meet her talented teacher, professor Hu Kun, during their rehearsal. Xia Xia was a real pleasure to photograph and her music is simply divine.