Tabitha Tuckett (cello) and Yvonne Cheng (piano) present a captivating programme featuring works by Bach, Beethoven, Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel, Lili Boulanger, and more. Performing together since 2016, they bring rich chamber music experience and a deep understanding of both historical and contemporary repertoire. The programme also includes a special feature by 13-year-old Malaki Conteh, performing Hear My Prayer by Felix Mendelssohn, offering a delightful and memorable moment in the evening.
Evening Schedule
Doors open: 18:45 - with a welcoming glass of wine or soft drink to start the evening.
Concert: 19:30 - 20:30
Reception: 20:30 - 21:30 - the post-concert reception with a curated selection of wines and soft drinks, along with light refreshments kindly provided by Malaki’s Cafe, offering a chance to continue the conversation, meet the performers, and savor the evening.
Tabitha Tuckett and Yvonne Cheng met in 2016 through University College London’s chamber music series. They were selected as UCL Music Futures ensemble in 2022 and have played for six years as founding members of Bentham’s Body Ensemble.
Tabitha Tuckett - cello
Tabitha has performed in ensembles ranging from the Royal Northern Sinfonia and Orchestra Of The Age of Enlightenment to Laura Cannell's improvised Baroque folk ensemble Horses Brawl, and co-founded an award-winning music in hospitals project.
Yvonne Cheng - piano
Yvonne started playing the piano at age 3. She studied piano at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts and has a Master of Music degree from Royal Holloway, University of London. Yvonne is a founding member of Bentham’s Body Ensemble, playing alongside award-winning musicians: clarinetist Julia Foellmer and cellist Tabitha Tuckett. Trying her hand at composing, Yvonne has collaborated with artists from the Slade School of Art & independent filmmakers from Hong Kong-Taiwan. Yvonne also works as an administrator for the European Piano Teachers Association and Beethoven Piano Society Of Europe, and is a trained piano technician.
Malaki Conteh - singer
Malaki Conteh is Head Chorister at Chichester Cathedral, performing in at least 300 services and concerts annually. His schedule includes weekly Choral Evensongs, Eucharist, and Choral Mattins on Sundays, reflecting his dedication to the choral tradition and his exceptional musical discipline. Malaki regularly takes part in prestigious events, including the Southern Cathedral Festival and the Christmas Festival at Chichester Festival Theatre. In October 2023, he toured with the Chichester Cathedral Choir to Bamberg and Bayreuth, Germany, showcasing his talent on an international stage. He has also featured in the Chichester Cathedral YouTube video “May the Lord Bless You” and has performed as a soloist in churches, festivals, and online, demonstrating both his versatility and stage presence.
Malaki is a boarder at The Prebendal School and he is also studying viola (ABRSM Grade 5) and piano (ABRSM Grade 3). Alongside his musical commitments, Malaki is also an entrepreneur - since the age of six, he has demonstrated remarkable initiative and drive, initially funding his own singing lessons by selling plants. He now supports his education through his Caribbean food business, Malaki’s Food & Drinks in Crystal Palace, which has gained national media attention and widespread public interest.
In addition to funding his school fees, Malaki uses profits from the business to support charitable causes. He has contributed towards free equine therapy courses for individuals experiencing poor mental health, set up by his former violin teacher, and has helped provide musical instruments for those who would otherwise be unable to afford them.
Malaki aspires to pursue a future career in music or finance, and continues to work towards securing a scholarship to The King’s School Canterbury.