13 concerts in the USA with Claudio Abbado, James Judd, and Alexander Schneider. Filmed a Rossini anniversary spectacular gala concert in Versailles with Montserrat Caballe, Marylin Horne and Samuel Ramey (in costumes!). First project with Sir András Schiff at the Lichfield Festival with George Malcolm, Sándor Végh and Heinz Holliger.

Performance and recording of Rossini's Viaggio a Reims in Pesaro with Claudio Abbado which received a Gramophone Record of the Year Award. Concert behind the Iron Curtain in Budapest. International tours to France, Italy, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands and Israel.

1984

First tour to Australia with conductor Jacek Kasprzyk. Return to Pesaro to perform and record La Donna del Lago with Pollini. Edinburgh Festival with Alexander Schneider.

1983

COE launch concert on 18th May 1981 at London's Merchant Taylor's Hall. COE concert at the Barbican Hall before the hall had even opened (acoustic test). First opera performance and tour abroad with Maurizio Pollini, performing La Donna del Lago in Pesaro.

First major European tour with Claudio Abbado to France, Italy, Germany and The Netherlands.

1982