This performance forms part of the Hattori Foundation early evening concert series. This is a very friendly series, in true Salon-style, where guests are invited to enjoy a pre-concert drink included in the ticket price, a one-hour performance (without interval) and then meet the performers and Trustees in the Club's bar after each recital for complimentary refreshments.
Programme (60 minutes, no interval)
Peter Sculthorpe
String Quartet No.8 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart String Quartet in D major, No.21, KV575 “Prussian” Béla Bartók String Quartet No.3 |
The Hattori Foundation was established as an Educational Trust by the Hattori Family and granted charity status in 1992.
The aim of the Foundation in the field of music is to encourage and assist exceptionally talented young instrumental soloists or chamber ensembles who are British Nationals or resident in the UK and whose talent and achievements give promise of an international career. |
Formed in early 2024 at the Royal Academy of Music, the Karelia Quartet brings together violinists Emil Hartikainen and Megan Yang, violist Felix Pascoe, and cellist Daniel Schultz. The ensemble has rapidly distinguished itself through the depth of its musical insight, a commitment to thoughtful and imaginative programming, and a growing presence on major chamber music platforms. In recognition of their artistic promise, they were selected as Kirckman Concert Society Artists for the 2026–27 season, joining a distinguished lineage of leading young chamber ensembles and undertaking a series of performances across the United Kingdom. They are also 2026–27 Hattori Foundation Awardees and Recital Scheme Artists, receiving support from one of the UK's leading charitable trusts for exceptional young instrumentalists. In addition, they have been chosen as one of the ensembles for the MERITAcubed programme (2026–29), participating in an international cycle of performances and collaborative projects across Europe.
Their achievements to date include First Prize at the Nina Drucker String Quartet Competition (2025), First Prize at the Historical Women’s Composer Competition (2025), First Prize at the Wolfe Wolfinsohn String Quartet Competition (2024), and Second Prize at the CAVATINA Chamber Music Competition at Wigmore Hall (2025). Recent highlights include performances for His Majesty King Charles III at St James’s Palace and for Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Wellington at Apsley House, invitation to continue intensive studies with Prof. Günter Pichler (Primarius Alban Berg Quartet) at Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofia (Sep 2026), alongside recording projects at the VOCES8 Centre in London.
Internationally, the quartet has participated in a number of prestigious festivals, academies, and residencies, including the Danish String Quartet Academy and the 2024 Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival, where they were awarded the Oleg Kagan Memorial Fund Scholarship. They have also held a residency with the Hasdrubal Foundation in Hammamet, Tunisia, and taken part in an intensive chamber music course in Conzano, Italy, working closely with Daniel Roberts (Founder - Castalian String Quartet) and Simon Rowland-Jones.
The Karelia Quartet works closely under the mentorship of Alex Redington (former first violinist - Doric String Quartet), Robin Wilson, and Sini Simonen (former first violinist - Castalian String Quartet), and has received further guidance in masterclasses with distinguished artists including Günter Pichler, Anthony Marwood, Alasdair Tait and Lawrence Power. Selected as ECMA Aspirants for 2025–27, the ensemble participates in collaborative sessions across Europe, further developing its artistic profile and international partnerships. Forthcoming appearances in the 2026/7 season include debuts at leading chamber venues such as King’s Place, Conway Hall, performances as festival artists; 2026 Winchester Chamber Music Festival (UK), Großraming Festival (Austria), Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival (Finland), Kirker Concerts (UK) and a curated residency at Ferrandou Musique (France).
Their achievements to date include First Prize at the Nina Drucker String Quartet Competition (2025), First Prize at the Historical Women’s Composer Competition (2025), First Prize at the Wolfe Wolfinsohn String Quartet Competition (2024), and Second Prize at the CAVATINA Chamber Music Competition at Wigmore Hall (2025). Recent highlights include performances for His Majesty King Charles III at St James’s Palace and for Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Wellington at Apsley House, invitation to continue intensive studies with Prof. Günter Pichler (Primarius Alban Berg Quartet) at Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofia (Sep 2026), alongside recording projects at the VOCES8 Centre in London.
Internationally, the quartet has participated in a number of prestigious festivals, academies, and residencies, including the Danish String Quartet Academy and the 2024 Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival, where they were awarded the Oleg Kagan Memorial Fund Scholarship. They have also held a residency with the Hasdrubal Foundation in Hammamet, Tunisia, and taken part in an intensive chamber music course in Conzano, Italy, working closely with Daniel Roberts (Founder - Castalian String Quartet) and Simon Rowland-Jones.
The Karelia Quartet works closely under the mentorship of Alex Redington (former first violinist - Doric String Quartet), Robin Wilson, and Sini Simonen (former first violinist - Castalian String Quartet), and has received further guidance in masterclasses with distinguished artists including Günter Pichler, Anthony Marwood, Alasdair Tait and Lawrence Power. Selected as ECMA Aspirants for 2025–27, the ensemble participates in collaborative sessions across Europe, further developing its artistic profile and international partnerships. Forthcoming appearances in the 2026/7 season include debuts at leading chamber venues such as King’s Place, Conway Hall, performances as festival artists; 2026 Winchester Chamber Music Festival (UK), Großraming Festival (Austria), Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival (Finland), Kirker Concerts (UK) and a curated residency at Ferrandou Musique (France).
Megan Yang
Australian violinist Megan Yang has been recognised for the expressive depth, eloquence, and captivating presence of her playing. With an expanding career as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral violinist, she is steadily establishing herself as a distinctive musical voice on the international stage. Based in London, she is currently completing a String Fellowship (Violin) at the Royal Academy of Music, where she mentors undergraduate string quartets and represents the Academy in external performances.
Megan’s chamber collaborations extend beyond the quartet. She has appeared with distinguished artists including Anthony Marwood MBE (Wigmore Hall), Anna Vinnitskaya (Köln Philharmonie), Lawrence Power, Noah Bendix-Balgley, Rachel Podger, Paavali Jumppanen, and James Crabb, and has performed at UKARIA Cultural Centre alongside principal players from the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra.
Equally devoted to orchestral work, Megan has served regularly as concertmaster of the Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra and the Australian National Academy of Music Orchestra. She performs regularly with orchestras across the UK, Europe, and Australia, including the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Australian Chamber Orchestra Collective, Omega Ensemble, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, and West Australian Symphony Orchestra. She has worked under the batons of celebrated conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Antonio Pappano, Sir Mark Elder, Simone Young AM, and Tugan Sokhiev.
Recent highlights include performing for His Majesty King Charles III at St James’s Palace as an Australian Music Foundation awardee, two soloist appearances with the Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra. She has participated in prestigious mastercourses including the Kronberg Academy Violin/Viola Masterclasses, IMS Prussia Cove Masterclasses, LacLeman Music Masterclasses, Keshet Eilon String Mastercourse, and has worked with Shmuel Ashkenasi, Mihaela Martin, Andras Keller, Ilya Kaler, Sergey Ostrovsky, Daniel Hope, Mark Gothoni, and Anthony Marwood.
Megan’s musical development has been supported by numerous scholarships and awards, including the Leverhulme Trust Arts Scholarship, Sir John Barbirolli Award, Craxton Memorial Fund Award, Tait Memorial Trust Awards (2023 and 2024), Australian Music Foundation Awards (2023 and 2024), the Hasdrubal Foundation Scholarship, Ian Potter Cultural Trust Fund, George Henderson Travelling Scholarship, Oleg Kagan Scholarship, and Ted and Susan Meller Scholarship.
She studied at the Royal Academy of Music (MA 25’) and the Australian National Academy of Music under Dr Robin Wilson, and holds a Master of Music (Performance) and Bachelor of Music (Performance) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where she studied with Associate Professor Goetz Richter.
Megan plays on a Nicolò Gagliano violin (Naples, 1735) and Eugène Nicolas Sartory bow generously on loan from the Royal Academy of Music’s Fine Instrument Collection.
Megan’s chamber collaborations extend beyond the quartet. She has appeared with distinguished artists including Anthony Marwood MBE (Wigmore Hall), Anna Vinnitskaya (Köln Philharmonie), Lawrence Power, Noah Bendix-Balgley, Rachel Podger, Paavali Jumppanen, and James Crabb, and has performed at UKARIA Cultural Centre alongside principal players from the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra.
Equally devoted to orchestral work, Megan has served regularly as concertmaster of the Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra and the Australian National Academy of Music Orchestra. She performs regularly with orchestras across the UK, Europe, and Australia, including the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Australian Chamber Orchestra Collective, Omega Ensemble, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, and West Australian Symphony Orchestra. She has worked under the batons of celebrated conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Antonio Pappano, Sir Mark Elder, Simone Young AM, and Tugan Sokhiev.
Recent highlights include performing for His Majesty King Charles III at St James’s Palace as an Australian Music Foundation awardee, two soloist appearances with the Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra. She has participated in prestigious mastercourses including the Kronberg Academy Violin/Viola Masterclasses, IMS Prussia Cove Masterclasses, LacLeman Music Masterclasses, Keshet Eilon String Mastercourse, and has worked with Shmuel Ashkenasi, Mihaela Martin, Andras Keller, Ilya Kaler, Sergey Ostrovsky, Daniel Hope, Mark Gothoni, and Anthony Marwood.
Megan’s musical development has been supported by numerous scholarships and awards, including the Leverhulme Trust Arts Scholarship, Sir John Barbirolli Award, Craxton Memorial Fund Award, Tait Memorial Trust Awards (2023 and 2024), Australian Music Foundation Awards (2023 and 2024), the Hasdrubal Foundation Scholarship, Ian Potter Cultural Trust Fund, George Henderson Travelling Scholarship, Oleg Kagan Scholarship, and Ted and Susan Meller Scholarship.
She studied at the Royal Academy of Music (MA 25’) and the Australian National Academy of Music under Dr Robin Wilson, and holds a Master of Music (Performance) and Bachelor of Music (Performance) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where she studied with Associate Professor Goetz Richter.
Megan plays on a Nicolò Gagliano violin (Naples, 1735) and Eugène Nicolas Sartory bow generously on loan from the Royal Academy of Music’s Fine Instrument Collection.
Emil Hartikainen
Violinist Emil Hartikainen (2003) is one of Finland’s most promising young talents of his generation. He has performed at leading international venues and festivals including Wigmore Hall, the Finnish National Opera House, the Kronberg Academy Festival, and Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival, in addition to two international tours as both soloist and chamber musician.
He began his violin studies at the Espoo Music Institute with Grazyna Zeranska-Gebert, and in 2016 joined the Sibelius Academy Youth Department under Prof. Réka Szilvay. In 2018, he was awarded a full scholarship to the International Menuhin Music Academy in Switzerland to study with Prof. Oleg Kaskiv and Prof. Renaud Capuçon. Since 2020, he has been pursuing his bachelor studies on full scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music in London with Prof. So-Ock Kim.
He has been awarded major competition prizes including 1st Prize at the XXIV International Artist Competition in Split (2019), 1st Prize at the Florida Keys International Music Competition (2018, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Hall debut), and prizes in Finland, Estonia, and Belgium.
Emil has worked regularly with Prof. Zakhar Bron in masterclasses, and has also studied with Ana Chumachenco, Mihaela Martin, Ivry Gitlis, Antje Weithaas, Pinchas Zukerman, and others. In 2019, he was chosen by Prof. Ana Chumachenco as an active participant at the Kronberg Academy masterclasses, where he performed at the awards ceremony and received a scholarship for future Kronberg Academy festivals.
As a soloist, he has collaborated with the Radio Symphony Orchestra of Helsinki under Dalia Stasevska, with the Kaunas Philharmonic under Jorma Panula, and appeared at Musica Mundi, Allegro Vivo, and the Kronberg Beethoven Festival.
He currently performs on a Ferdinandus Gagliano violin (1767), generously on loan from OP Art Foundation. In 2025, Emil has been named an LSO Conservatoire Scholar, and his studies are supported by the Countess of Munster Charitable Trust, the Craxton Memorial Trust, among others.
He began his violin studies at the Espoo Music Institute with Grazyna Zeranska-Gebert, and in 2016 joined the Sibelius Academy Youth Department under Prof. Réka Szilvay. In 2018, he was awarded a full scholarship to the International Menuhin Music Academy in Switzerland to study with Prof. Oleg Kaskiv and Prof. Renaud Capuçon. Since 2020, he has been pursuing his bachelor studies on full scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music in London with Prof. So-Ock Kim.
He has been awarded major competition prizes including 1st Prize at the XXIV International Artist Competition in Split (2019), 1st Prize at the Florida Keys International Music Competition (2018, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Hall debut), and prizes in Finland, Estonia, and Belgium.
Emil has worked regularly with Prof. Zakhar Bron in masterclasses, and has also studied with Ana Chumachenco, Mihaela Martin, Ivry Gitlis, Antje Weithaas, Pinchas Zukerman, and others. In 2019, he was chosen by Prof. Ana Chumachenco as an active participant at the Kronberg Academy masterclasses, where he performed at the awards ceremony and received a scholarship for future Kronberg Academy festivals.
As a soloist, he has collaborated with the Radio Symphony Orchestra of Helsinki under Dalia Stasevska, with the Kaunas Philharmonic under Jorma Panula, and appeared at Musica Mundi, Allegro Vivo, and the Kronberg Beethoven Festival.
He currently performs on a Ferdinandus Gagliano violin (1767), generously on loan from OP Art Foundation. In 2025, Emil has been named an LSO Conservatoire Scholar, and his studies are supported by the Countess of Munster Charitable Trust, the Craxton Memorial Trust, among others.
Felix Pascoe
Felix is an Australian violinist and violist with an active international performing career spanning orchestral, chamber, and solo repertoire. He has performed extensively across Europe, Asia, North America, and Oceania, appearing in concert halls and festivals throughout the United States, United Kingdom, China, Singapore, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland, Tunisia, and New Zealand.
He regularly performs with leading orchestras including the Sinfonia of London, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Knussen Chamber Orchestra, London Mozart Players, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, collaborating with internationally renowned conductors and soloists. His orchestral work has taken him to major venues and international tours, contributing to a diverse portfolio of performances across symphonic, chamber orchestral, and period-informed repertoire.
Felix is also an active chamber musician, performing in a wide range of ensemble settings and collaborating with musicians from prominent European and Australian institutions. His versatility across both violin and viola has allowed him to engage deeply with core chamber repertoire, contemporary works, and interdisciplinary projects.
Felix completed his undergraduate studies at The University of Melbourne before continuing his professional training at the Australian National Academy of Music. He was awarded a full scholarship to pursue a Master of Arts at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied under the esteemed tutelage of Dr Robin Wilson. He is currently a Violin Fellow at the Royal Academy of Music, where he continues to develop his artistic profile through performance projects, mentoring, and collaborations.
Felix performs on a Nicolò Gagliano violin (1760), generously on loan from J. & A. Beare, and a Paolo Mascioli viola (1770), on loan from the Royal Academy of Music, London.
He regularly performs with leading orchestras including the Sinfonia of London, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Knussen Chamber Orchestra, London Mozart Players, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, collaborating with internationally renowned conductors and soloists. His orchestral work has taken him to major venues and international tours, contributing to a diverse portfolio of performances across symphonic, chamber orchestral, and period-informed repertoire.
Felix is also an active chamber musician, performing in a wide range of ensemble settings and collaborating with musicians from prominent European and Australian institutions. His versatility across both violin and viola has allowed him to engage deeply with core chamber repertoire, contemporary works, and interdisciplinary projects.
Felix completed his undergraduate studies at The University of Melbourne before continuing his professional training at the Australian National Academy of Music. He was awarded a full scholarship to pursue a Master of Arts at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied under the esteemed tutelage of Dr Robin Wilson. He is currently a Violin Fellow at the Royal Academy of Music, where he continues to develop his artistic profile through performance projects, mentoring, and collaborations.
Felix performs on a Nicolò Gagliano violin (1760), generously on loan from J. & A. Beare, and a Paolo Mascioli viola (1770), on loan from the Royal Academy of Music, London.
Daniel Schultz
Daniel Schultz is an accomplished Finnish cellist currently based in London. He is a Tillett Trust Debut artist as well as a Drake Calleja Scholar pursuing a Professional Diploma at the Royal Academy of Music, studying with Alfredo Piatti Chair and Professor of Cello, Josephine Knight. Daniel completed his Master of Arts at the Royal Academy with distinction and was awarded both the Principal’s Prize for exceptional all-round studentship by Principal Jonathan Freeman-Attwood and the Sir John Barbirolli Prize.
Daniel has been accepted to continue his studies next year at the Royal Academy of Music as an Advanced Diploma student. He is a recipient of the Bicentenary Scholarship awarded by the Principal Jonathan Freeman-Attwood.
Daniel holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Sibelius Academy, where he studied under Professor Martti Rousi.
Daniel has been recognized in numerous prestigious competitions, most notably winning third prize at the 2022 Turku Cello Competition. Daniel is also a Tillet Trust Debut artist for the years 2025–2026 as well as a String Scholar of the Drake Calleja Trust, both prestigious foundations that provides recognition, performance opportunities, and support for outstanding young musicians. As a soloist, he has appeared with several leading orchestras, including the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, the Sibelius Academy Symphony Orchestra, and most recently, the Surrey Philharmonic Orchestra.
A passionate chamber musician, Daniel is a founding member of the prizewinning Karelia String Quartet, which has garnered first prizes in both the Wolfe Wolfinsohn String Quartet Competition and the Nina Drucker Haydn String Quartet Competition. He also performs regularly with the Lisson Piano Trio, giving recitals across London.
Daniel has participated in high-profile masterclasses with celebrated artists including Gautier Capuçon, broadcast live from Wigmore Hall, and Steven Isserlis as part of the BBC Arts in Motion programme.
He currently performs on a 1752 Giovanni Battista Gabrielli cello, generously on loan from the Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland.
Daniel has been accepted to continue his studies next year at the Royal Academy of Music as an Advanced Diploma student. He is a recipient of the Bicentenary Scholarship awarded by the Principal Jonathan Freeman-Attwood.
Daniel holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Sibelius Academy, where he studied under Professor Martti Rousi.
Daniel has been recognized in numerous prestigious competitions, most notably winning third prize at the 2022 Turku Cello Competition. Daniel is also a Tillet Trust Debut artist for the years 2025–2026 as well as a String Scholar of the Drake Calleja Trust, both prestigious foundations that provides recognition, performance opportunities, and support for outstanding young musicians. As a soloist, he has appeared with several leading orchestras, including the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, the Sibelius Academy Symphony Orchestra, and most recently, the Surrey Philharmonic Orchestra.
A passionate chamber musician, Daniel is a founding member of the prizewinning Karelia String Quartet, which has garnered first prizes in both the Wolfe Wolfinsohn String Quartet Competition and the Nina Drucker Haydn String Quartet Competition. He also performs regularly with the Lisson Piano Trio, giving recitals across London.
Daniel has participated in high-profile masterclasses with celebrated artists including Gautier Capuçon, broadcast live from Wigmore Hall, and Steven Isserlis as part of the BBC Arts in Motion programme.
He currently performs on a 1752 Giovanni Battista Gabrielli cello, generously on loan from the Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland.