Hailed by the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians as ‘the most important English concerto composer of the 18th century’, Charles Avison was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where his tireless activities as a teacher, conductor, entrepreneur as well as composer, established him as the leading musical figure of Northern England. His Opus 3 and Opus 4 Concertos are written in the Italian concerto grosso style, in which a string orchestra is divided into two groups, the concertino (solo) and ripieno (the other members of the orchestra), allowing for dramatic contrast between the two sections, while providing the solo violinist with ample opportunities for virtuosic display. Avison's Opus 6 Concertos are available on Naxos 8.557553–54.