Our story: the heart of Cooper+ Music
Discover the journey of Gary and Sabine Cooper, the couple behind Cooper+ Music. From classical stages to community events, learn about their passion for music and how they create unforgettable experiences.
Gary's classical journey and global stages
During his studies at Chetham’s School of Music and Oxford, Gary became deeply interested in the historical performance practice of classical music. He specialised in the harpsichord and fortepiano, while also conducting orchestras and opera, whether from the podium or the keyboard. His expertise led him to lecture and teach at leading conservatoires throughout the UK.
His solo and conducting career took him all over the globe, performing at nearly all of the world’s major concert venues. Gary has featured live on radio and TV stations in many countries and has made many critically acclaimed recordings, two of which were honoured with prestigious Diapason d’Or awards.
Sabine's journey from Bavaria to Exmoor
Sabine Cooper (nee Dziewior) is a professional violist and violinist on period and modern instruments, who studied music in Prague, Bad Königshofen, Weimar, and Würzburg. For many years she worked as a freelance musician, and her travels brought her to many different countries, as far as India.
On her modern instrument she played with conductors like Ivan Fischer and Rudolf Barshai. On her baroque viola she played in many exciting venues like the Berlin Philharmonie, Cologne Philharmonie, the Barbican, Versailles, and Moscow Conservatory, with orchestras like Anima Eterna, Freiburger Barockorchester, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, and many more well-known and not so well-known ensembles. After more than a decade of travelling, and recording for TV, radio, CDs and DVDs, she embarked on another adventure - motherhood - and is now happily combining both worlds.
From the International stage to Exmoor's embrace
After meeting his wife Sabine and starting a family, a globe-trotting lifestyle no longer made sense. They eventually settled down in Somerset, and since moving to Exmoor in 2015, they have nestled into a wonderful community, surrounded by a landscape where ancient woodland and moorland meet the sea.
Our evolving musical tapestry
As professional classically-trained musicians, we enjoy playing a vast repertoire on a variety of instruments, from ancient to modern - while we constantly add new 'feathers to our hats', playing contemporary music, personally arranged for the occasion. This adaptability allows us to tailor our performances perfectly to your event, creating a unique and memorable experience.
"We hope that our music will bring you just as much joy as it brings us."
Gary and Sabine Cooper, Founders of Cooper+ Music