"The highlight of the evening was a riveting performance of Elgar's Cello Concerto from Gemma Rosefield, whose way with the solo part was intensely expressive yet never overburdened by solemnity. Her tone was beautifully consistent, combining directness with an intimately compact sense of scale. Perhaps finest of all was Rosefield's way with the introduction to that last movement; she let her sound melt into the silences that punctuate the solo part, providing a perfect example of her total command of this music."

“The Wathen Hall has hosted many distinguished performers and recitals…and a notable addition was provided by the cello and piano recital from Gemma Rosefield and Katya Apekisheva. Gemma’s strong musical personality and her obvious enjoyment of the music enabled her to create an immediate rapport with the audience (Beethoven)…the drive and elan of the players brilliantly capturing the edgy brio of the writing…the commitment and technical skill on display resulted in a gripping experience! Katya’s warm tone provided a secure base for Gemma’s intelligent exploration of Schumann's far-reaching cello lines. Both players accurately captured the spirit and structure of this intriguing and satisfying work. The understanding of the essence of the music (Mendelssohn, Second Movement) offered an enchanting interlude. The serious slow movement inspired some of the most eloquent playing of the evening, Rosefield strong and secure in the higher registers. Both players were  absolutely at one in this work and the high-spirited  rondo brought the evening to a brilliant conclusion. A successful concert requires the obvious basics - good music, performers and surroundings. All met, naturally. Other factors however, less clear-cut and predictable, play their part. On this occasion it was the rapport between performers and audience that stood out the players seeming to create an almost physical bridge across the intervening space."