I’m a professional bassoon player who took up the instrument at the age of 11, pretty much the minute I was big enough to hold it up (almost) properly. Eventually it became my job and I’ve since played in the orchestra for Elton John tours, performed on board the QE2 and made odd noises on the soundtrack for Dr Who. When not playing I’m often to be found at a pub quiz, where my specialist subject is 1990s pop lyrics.
Since studying in Manchester at the Royal Northern College of Music, Alice enjoys a busy freelance career performing with Orchestras in London such as the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Concert Orchestra. She has recorded many film and TV soundtracks (including 'Downton Abbey') and performed with pop artists such as Katie Melua and Pixie Lott. She has appeared on TV shows such as X factor and The Graham Norton Show, and performed for the Queen at the Royal Variety Performance. When not performing Alice can be found running and cycling many miles in Kent and painting oil landscape paintings!
Anna enjoys a busy career as a freelance violinist, performing across the classical and pop genres, with artists such as Katherine Jenkins and Russell Watson. Anna is a regular player with The Limelight Orchestra which performs 'Ibiza Classics' concerts across the UK at festivals and arenas. Most recently Anna has toured with the International Film Orchestra, supporting West End Stars Kerry Ellis and Louise Dearman. Anna has a busy private teaching practice, tutoring violin, piano and theory to over 40 students each week.
In addition to music, Anna loves travelling and spending time with her crazy teenage sons!
I’m Anna and I play the horn. My work takes me anywhere from playing Bach in Germany to the music of Prince at the Royal Albert Hall, working with orchestras like Scottish Chamber Orchestra, London Contemporary Orchestra and the BBC Philharmonic. I attended the Royal College of Music and Royal Academy of Music in London, as well as studying historical horn in Amsterdam; I’ve always had strong ties to Europe (as a massive foodie as well as a musician…) and can’t wait to get back to travelling for music again!
Bethan is a clarinettist based in Oxfordshire. Like many musicians she started on the recorder and then took up the clarinet aged eight. She studied at Birmingham University and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and has worked in the arts ever since.
Recent career highlights have included performing at Gloucester Cathedral (where Harry Potter was filmed) and being dubbed “The Queen of Music Production” by John Rutter whilst working at Oxford University Press.
When not clarinet-ing Bethan loves running and baking, because life is all about balance!
My name’s Cai Isfryn and I’m a trumpet player who’s performed with Public Service Broadcasting and Bastille, appearing numerous times at Glastonbury Festival as well as some of the world’s most famous concert halls such as the Sydney Opera House and The Royal Albert Hall. I studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and am endorsed by Bach (I play a Stradivarius model 37). Aside from the trumpet I enjoy yoga and meditation as well as any endurance sport. I’m currently training for my first Ironman next year.
Carina grew up in Dublin and started learning the cello when she was 9 years old. She studied at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Carina loves the focussed environment of the recording studio and she has recorded music for BBC and ITV television, film soundtracks and her own album which was played on Irish, UK and German national radio. When she’s not playing the cello Carina loves to bake and she brings her cakes to rehearsals to share. She lives beside the sea and loves to go for long runs along the seafront.
