English composer William Shield was famous for his operas and pantomimes. He was admired by Haydn who was to prove a lasting influence, and rose to become Master of the King’s Music despite coming from a relatively poor background. His String Trios from 1791 were written in Rome and mark a striking new level of compositional attainment in the English chamber music repertory of the time. Shield’s scores are studded with an enlightened cosmopolitanism, encoding Spanish, Russian, Slavonic and Haydnesque elements, cast in his ingenious and lyrically attractive blend of styles.

The Dorrit Ensemble has been performing regularly throughout Australia and New Zealand since 2019.

Violinist Elizabeth Layton was winner of the UK Concert Artists Trust Competition and has performed as a soloist with major orchestras worldwide. Her recordings include the complete Beethoven piano trios (nominated for a Gramophone Award) and violin and piano works by Schubert (Daily Telegraph CD Choice). She was Associate Leader of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, and Concertmaster of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (1997–2010).

Violist Caroline Henbest was violist of the highly acclaimed Mistry String Quartet (resident at the University of York) and the Scottish Ensemble.