Local musicians, Daniel Axworthy, Andrew Winter and David Leslie, were recently in St Laurence Church, recording their performance of Bach's Concerto for Two Violins in D minor as part of L'Orchestra dell'Arte's online music series.

With Daniel and Andrew playing the violin and David Leslie delivering the keyboard continuo, the ensemble's recording of the third movement of Bach's 1730 work is now available to view on YouTube.

Explaining the inspiration behind this exciting project, Daniel said: "The Orchestra dell'Arte's YouTube launched to connect with the wider community as a way of expressing music in a time where meeting to enjoy it is no longer the normal.

In a Covid-free world, the Orchestra could usually be found performing both small group musical evenings and full-scale concerts across the North West. Since 2013, it has been the 'Orchestra in Residence' at St George's Hall, Liverpool.

However, this year, which was supposed to involve a full programme of performances from world-class soloists in celebration of the Orchestra's 10th Anniversary Season, its musicians have had to turn to the internet for their work.

"Our videos offer both the enjoyment of listening to the pieces composed by J.S Bach, and a brief history background to learn more about the origin of the classical music," Daniel continued.

Daniel added that the "beautiful, idyllic" St Laurence Church was perfectly suited to these recordings, as it "both visually and acoustically complements the violins and the keyboard."

Daniel, who is based in Frodsham, is a classically trained violinist whose performances cover a variety of musical styles.

"I have experience working as a solo violinist and alongside other musicians, performing at orchestral concerts and solo recitals," his repertoire ranging between genres as diverse as classical, indie, Celtic and rock music.

"One of my specialities is as a wedding violinist, where I have always been able to connect emotionally to the music," he says.

"In my community I have enjoyed performing at events such as the Frodsham Literature Festival, which I have played at for the last five consecutive years.

"I also enjoyed playing classical and modern pieces for my own road, Park Lane, in honour of those working hard for the NHS through the Covid-19 pandemic."

Recordings of Daniel's outdoor lockdown performances soon made their way onto social media, where they were met with enthusiastic praise from hundreds of Frodsham residents.

"I have also been involved in a theatrical collaboration with The Frodsham Players. Last Christmas I played the violin in A Christmas Carol and also performed in the recent production in Castle Park At last, the 2020 Show!."

You can read more about L'Orchestra dell'Arte, watch performances from its talented members, and find out more about future events, here.

For more information about Daniel's work, click here.