Eleanor is a member of several chamber ensembles.

Please click on a name for more information:

Duo Volante have been working together as piano teachers at the Junior Department of the Royal Academy of Music and the Lady Eleanor Holles School, Hampton since 2002. Through their work as chamber music coaches, they have developed a special interest in promoting the possibilities of the piano duet/piano duo and its repertoire. Eleanor Hodgkinson and Jakob Fichert have played together on numerous occasions for various concert venues and in educational concerts. Both have a wide range of experience performing the piano duet and two piano repertoires. In previous duet partnerships Eleanor performed in Europe and North America, and in 2006 Jakob played the entire repertoire for 2 pianos and 4 hands by Shostakovich at the Queen Elizabeth Hall subsequently recording it for Toccata Classics. They enjoy exploring new works, in addition to the standard repertoire.

Eleanor and Jakob offer 2 workshops:
The Keyboard Files: an interactive concert for primary and special needs schools
The History of the Piano: an interactive lecture recital for secondary schools

“The History of the Piano” for 11 – 18 year olds
Eleanor and Jakob explain and discuss the history of the keyboard from the viewpoint of the two piano or piano duet repertoires.
They give an overview of the technical possibilities and the development of the piano using the repertoire for piano duo.
The workshop consists of an interactive lecture performance featuring music from the 17th century to present day and lasts approximately 90 minutes.
It can be tailored to the needs of a particular class or age group and can be used to highlight specific curricular topics
Students duos/trios are invited to take part, receiving coaching in an informal masterclass setting

“The Keyboard Files”
This interactive concert is aimed at both primary aged children and special needs groups. It includes performances, singing and clapping games, quizzes and composition.
It lasts approximately 90 minutes.

"Eleanor Hodgkinson and Jakob Fichert gave a wonderfully informative and entertaining presentation about the two-piano repertoire for GCSE music students.  It included an interesting look at the historical background of the genre, interspersed with playing of mesmerising virtuosity……. a most successful afternoon which all the students very much enjoyed."

Yat-Soon Yeo
Director of Music
St. Paul’s Girls School, London

"Eleanor Hodgkinson and Jakob Fichert gave an inspirational master class for piano duet ensembles and a piano duet recital at Langley Grammar School in November 2008. The day began with an introduction to the history of the instrument which immediately engaged the students. Careful planning allowed ample time for each participating duet to practise and perform.

The day ended with a first class recital given by Eleanor and Jakob which was greatly enjoyed by teachers and students alike."

Moritz von Freyhold
Director of Music
Langley Grammar School, Slough