Instrumental Soloists
Below can be found a list of instrumental soloists that Craig has recently collaborated and worked with. Further information on each can be found by clicking on the links to the artists' own sites, where applicable.
Further information on various projects involving these artists can also be found in the projects section of this site, while information on vocal soloists Craig has worked with can be found in the vocalists section
Further information on various projects involving these artists can also be found in the projects section of this site, while information on vocal soloists Craig has worked with can be found in the vocalists section
Steve Bingham, Violin
Steve Bingham studied violin with Emmanuel Hurwitz, Sidney Griller and the Amadeus Quartet at the Royal Academy of Music from 1981 to 1985, where he won prizes for orchestral leading and string quartet playing. In 1985 he formed the Bingham String Quartet, an ensemble which has become one of the foremost in the UK, with an enviable reputation for both classical and contemporary repertoire. The Quartet has recorded numerous CDs and has worked for radio and television both in the UK and as far afield as Australia. The group has toured in Europe, the Middle East and Australia and has worked with distinguished musicians such as Jack Brymer, Raphael Wallfisch, Michael Collins and David Campbell. The Quartet’s educational activities have included residencies at London’s South Bank Centre, for several UK festivals and at Radley College. The Quartet is also known for it’s many performances of new works by some of the best young composers in Britain.
Steve has appeared as guest leader with many orchestras including the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, English National Ballet and English Sinfonia. He has given solo recitals both in the UK and America and his concerto performances include works by Bach, Vivaldi, Bruch, Prokofiev, Mendelssohn and Sibelius, given in venues as prestigious as St. Johns’ Smith Square and the Royal Albert Hall.
In recent years Steve has developed his interest in improvisation, electronics and World music, collaborating with several notable musicians including guitarist Jason Carter and players such as Sanju Vishnu Sahai (tabla), Baluji Shivastrav (sitar) and Abdullah Ibrahim (piano). He has appeared on three World music CDs with Jason Carter and is a guest artist on the CD “Confusion Rides”, by singer/songwriter Mark Fawcett. Steve is also plays live with No-Man, the progressive art-rock duo of Tim Bowness and Steve Wilson. Steve’s debut solo CD “Duplicity” was released in November 2005, and has been played on several radio stations including BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. His second solo CD, entitled “Ascension”, was released in December 2008.
Steve was the featured soloist of the Electric Brass performances in 2006/07. In the performances Steve performed, with Craig conducting, Dr. Mick Wilson's Concerto for Six String Electric Violin and Brass Band, alongside numerous other innovative works for electric violin.
Steve's own composition, Duplicity, was also featured at the Electric Brass performance at the Royal Academy of Music, London in September 2006.
Further information on Steve and his activities can be found at his own site www.stevebingham.co.uk
Steve has appeared as guest leader with many orchestras including the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, English National Ballet and English Sinfonia. He has given solo recitals both in the UK and America and his concerto performances include works by Bach, Vivaldi, Bruch, Prokofiev, Mendelssohn and Sibelius, given in venues as prestigious as St. Johns’ Smith Square and the Royal Albert Hall.
In recent years Steve has developed his interest in improvisation, electronics and World music, collaborating with several notable musicians including guitarist Jason Carter and players such as Sanju Vishnu Sahai (tabla), Baluji Shivastrav (sitar) and Abdullah Ibrahim (piano). He has appeared on three World music CDs with Jason Carter and is a guest artist on the CD “Confusion Rides”, by singer/songwriter Mark Fawcett. Steve is also plays live with No-Man, the progressive art-rock duo of Tim Bowness and Steve Wilson. Steve’s debut solo CD “Duplicity” was released in November 2005, and has been played on several radio stations including BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. His second solo CD, entitled “Ascension”, was released in December 2008.
Steve was the featured soloist of the Electric Brass performances in 2006/07. In the performances Steve performed, with Craig conducting, Dr. Mick Wilson's Concerto for Six String Electric Violin and Brass Band, alongside numerous other innovative works for electric violin.
Steve's own composition, Duplicity, was also featured at the Electric Brass performance at the Royal Academy of Music, London in September 2006.
Further information on Steve and his activities can be found at his own site www.stevebingham.co.uk
David Childs, Euphonium
King Edward III once said: "If you want to train a longbowman, start with his grandfather." This adage holds just as true for British euphonium soloist David Childs, born in the mining village of Grimethorpe in 1981, to a family whose name had been synonymous with brass for the last two generations. His grandfather John was a well-respected euphonium player from the Welsh Valleys who inspired his sons, Robert & Nicholas to take up euphonium. Robert began teaching his son David from an early age and in recent years David has emerged as one of the finest brass soloists of his generation.
In the year 2000 he broke new ground for the euphonium becoming the first euphonium soloist to win the brass final of the televised 'BBC Young Musician of the Year’ which led to David’s highly acclaimed première performance of Philip Wilby’s Concerto for Euphonium with the BBC Philharmonic under the direction of Yan Pascal Totelier. In the same year David was awarded the coveted ‘Euphonium Player of the Year’ title, a title he won again in 2004 and still holds today. Since that time David has been instrumental in raising the euphonium’s profile in the classical world of music and has not ceased to wow audiences with his astonishing technique, extrovert musicality and engaging stage presence.
Still in the early stages of his career, David has already toured extensively performing as a soloist in Australia, the Middle East, Japan, Hong Kong, Europe and the U.S.A. He is a keen advocate of new music and has premièred seven concerti for euphonium including a Royal Albert Hall radiobroadcast of Alun Hoddinott's, 'Sunne Rising - The King Will Ride’. David has performed solos on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, Classic fm, Channel 4 television, BBC 2 television, BBC 1 television and S4C. He has also been featured in the Classic fm, Gramophone, Classical Music, and MUSO magazines.
David has had the pleasure of performing as a soloist with some of the UK’s finest orchestras including the BBC Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Sinfonia Cymru. He has given solo performances at a number of high profile music festivals including the BBC Proms, Melbourne International Festival, Cheltenham International Festival and the New York Festival. He also became the first euphonium soloist to give recitals in London’s most prestigious recital venues; the Wigmore Hall and the South Bank’s Purcell Room.
Having already achieved a great deal as a euphonium soloist David has received many awards in recognition: a Silver Medal from the Worshipful Company of Musicians; a Star Award from the Countess of Munster; the Musicians Benevolent’ Sir Charles Leggett Award; the Welsh Music Guild’s Leo Abse & Cohen Award; the BBC Radio Wales Soloist Award and the Harry Mortimer Award for Outstanding Achievement. David is an endorsee for Buffet Crampon Paris and performs exclusively on their Besson euphonium range. He also has a 'signature' mouthpiece produced by Alliance, and a solo series with Prima Vista Musikk publishing house. He has recorded seven solo albums on the Doyen label, and has appeared as a featured soloist on several other commercial discs including EMI’s This Land of Ours.
Having made debuts in Los Angeles, Hawaii and Rome last year, 2010 sees David make his debut in Carnegie Hall New York giving the US première of Karl Jenkins’ Concerto for Euphonium, a work he’s already performed with the BBC Concert Orchestra, Sinfonia Cymru and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in the UK. With four additional appearances in the US, several recording projects, and a number of performances throughout Europe planned for the season ahead, David is leading the way for a new generation of euphonium players worldwide. Through his own unique performances he continues to prove the euphonium as a serious solo vehicle within the world of classical music.
David and Craig first met as members of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales in 1995. David was later featured by Craig as soloist of the 2002 Welsh Brass Arts Festival. At the event David premiered, with Craig conducting, Dr. Michael Ball's Concerto for Euphonium, which had been commissioned that year by the event. The two have since worked together on a variety of exciting development projects.
In 2013, David Childs was the recipient of one of their prestigious Creative Wales Awards. 14 professional artists from across the arts disciplines received a Creative Wales Award from Arts Council of Wales. The Awards recognise the very best talent and potential of individual Welsh artists and recognise significant individual achievement in the arts along with the aim to raise the profile of Welsh culture outside of Wales.
As a soloist David has constantly striven to further the profile and development of the euphonium, and the repertoire and opportunities available to himself and other artists. He has personally commissioned a wealth of new works for instrument, and secured the instrument’s inclusion in many of the world's highest profile venues, festivals and events. Together with colleagues, David has now founded, Euphonium Foundation UK, a not for profit organisation aimed to further and perpetuate the development of the euphonium and associated repertoire, further information on which can be found at www.euphoniumfoundationuk.org
To date David has focused on developing the euphonium as a classical solo recital instrument, and in an orchestral & large ensemble (symphonic wind orchestra / brass band) setting. He used the support of his Creative Wales Award to pursue the development of the instrument in a new and very different manner, experimenting with non-traditional / Western-classical settings, and particularly working with electronics and new technology. This is something he believes could lead to considerable additional performance opportunities for the instrument, vital for what remains - despite the instrument's popularity and all very valuable work undertaken by all to date - a still marginalised solo instrument developing in an ever-increasingly digitally-based era.
With the focus on electronics at present, David is keen to hear from brass players and composers who have worked in the medium previously. Interested parties can contact David via the link at the Euphonium Foundation UK website here
Further information on David can be found at his own website www.davechilds.com
"a great ambassador for the euphonium, possessing an astonishing technique and an engaging stage presence."
The Observer
"a charismatic advocate of the euphonium, a demonstration of versatility and extrovert musicality."
The Guardian
"a serious musician dedicated to raising his instrument's profile. Childs demonstrated a superbly focused, glowing tone."
The Times
"he makes the euphonium sound as flexible and as agile as a trumpet and as smooth as the trombone played by Tommy Dorsey."
The Independent
In the year 2000 he broke new ground for the euphonium becoming the first euphonium soloist to win the brass final of the televised 'BBC Young Musician of the Year’ which led to David’s highly acclaimed première performance of Philip Wilby’s Concerto for Euphonium with the BBC Philharmonic under the direction of Yan Pascal Totelier. In the same year David was awarded the coveted ‘Euphonium Player of the Year’ title, a title he won again in 2004 and still holds today. Since that time David has been instrumental in raising the euphonium’s profile in the classical world of music and has not ceased to wow audiences with his astonishing technique, extrovert musicality and engaging stage presence.
Still in the early stages of his career, David has already toured extensively performing as a soloist in Australia, the Middle East, Japan, Hong Kong, Europe and the U.S.A. He is a keen advocate of new music and has premièred seven concerti for euphonium including a Royal Albert Hall radiobroadcast of Alun Hoddinott's, 'Sunne Rising - The King Will Ride’. David has performed solos on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, Classic fm, Channel 4 television, BBC 2 television, BBC 1 television and S4C. He has also been featured in the Classic fm, Gramophone, Classical Music, and MUSO magazines.
David has had the pleasure of performing as a soloist with some of the UK’s finest orchestras including the BBC Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Sinfonia Cymru. He has given solo performances at a number of high profile music festivals including the BBC Proms, Melbourne International Festival, Cheltenham International Festival and the New York Festival. He also became the first euphonium soloist to give recitals in London’s most prestigious recital venues; the Wigmore Hall and the South Bank’s Purcell Room.
Having already achieved a great deal as a euphonium soloist David has received many awards in recognition: a Silver Medal from the Worshipful Company of Musicians; a Star Award from the Countess of Munster; the Musicians Benevolent’ Sir Charles Leggett Award; the Welsh Music Guild’s Leo Abse & Cohen Award; the BBC Radio Wales Soloist Award and the Harry Mortimer Award for Outstanding Achievement. David is an endorsee for Buffet Crampon Paris and performs exclusively on their Besson euphonium range. He also has a 'signature' mouthpiece produced by Alliance, and a solo series with Prima Vista Musikk publishing house. He has recorded seven solo albums on the Doyen label, and has appeared as a featured soloist on several other commercial discs including EMI’s This Land of Ours.
Having made debuts in Los Angeles, Hawaii and Rome last year, 2010 sees David make his debut in Carnegie Hall New York giving the US première of Karl Jenkins’ Concerto for Euphonium, a work he’s already performed with the BBC Concert Orchestra, Sinfonia Cymru and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in the UK. With four additional appearances in the US, several recording projects, and a number of performances throughout Europe planned for the season ahead, David is leading the way for a new generation of euphonium players worldwide. Through his own unique performances he continues to prove the euphonium as a serious solo vehicle within the world of classical music.
David and Craig first met as members of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales in 1995. David was later featured by Craig as soloist of the 2002 Welsh Brass Arts Festival. At the event David premiered, with Craig conducting, Dr. Michael Ball's Concerto for Euphonium, which had been commissioned that year by the event. The two have since worked together on a variety of exciting development projects.
In 2013, David Childs was the recipient of one of their prestigious Creative Wales Awards. 14 professional artists from across the arts disciplines received a Creative Wales Award from Arts Council of Wales. The Awards recognise the very best talent and potential of individual Welsh artists and recognise significant individual achievement in the arts along with the aim to raise the profile of Welsh culture outside of Wales.
As a soloist David has constantly striven to further the profile and development of the euphonium, and the repertoire and opportunities available to himself and other artists. He has personally commissioned a wealth of new works for instrument, and secured the instrument’s inclusion in many of the world's highest profile venues, festivals and events. Together with colleagues, David has now founded, Euphonium Foundation UK, a not for profit organisation aimed to further and perpetuate the development of the euphonium and associated repertoire, further information on which can be found at www.euphoniumfoundationuk.org
To date David has focused on developing the euphonium as a classical solo recital instrument, and in an orchestral & large ensemble (symphonic wind orchestra / brass band) setting. He used the support of his Creative Wales Award to pursue the development of the instrument in a new and very different manner, experimenting with non-traditional / Western-classical settings, and particularly working with electronics and new technology. This is something he believes could lead to considerable additional performance opportunities for the instrument, vital for what remains - despite the instrument's popularity and all very valuable work undertaken by all to date - a still marginalised solo instrument developing in an ever-increasingly digitally-based era.
With the focus on electronics at present, David is keen to hear from brass players and composers who have worked in the medium previously. Interested parties can contact David via the link at the Euphonium Foundation UK website here
Further information on David can be found at his own website www.davechilds.com
"a great ambassador for the euphonium, possessing an astonishing technique and an engaging stage presence."
The Observer
"a charismatic advocate of the euphonium, a demonstration of versatility and extrovert musicality."
The Guardian
"a serious musician dedicated to raising his instrument's profile. Childs demonstrated a superbly focused, glowing tone."
The Times
"he makes the euphonium sound as flexible and as agile as a trumpet and as smooth as the trombone played by Tommy Dorsey."
The Independent
John Paul Ekins, Piano
Increasingly in demand as a recitalist, concerto soloist and chamber musician, John Paul Ekins has given performances throughout the UK and Northern Ireland, and overseas in the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Kuwait, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain and Switzerland, and he has been broadcast on the BBC, on Romanian national television and radio, and on Polish television. In 2009 he graduated from the Royal College of Music with First Class Honours, and in the same year he was awarded the James Anthony Horne Scholarship by the Guildhall School of Music and Drama to study with Charles Owen, where he graduated with Master of Performance (Distinction) in 2011. He was the recipient of a Music Education Award from the Musicians Benevolent Fund, and receives generous support from Making Music, The Concordia Foundation and The Keyboard Charitable Trust.
He has performed at a number of prestigious venues in the UK and abroad, including Bucharest's Athenaeum, Zurich's Tonhalle, Prague's Martinu Hall, Bergen's Troldhaugen, Krakow's Florianka Hall, London's Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Fairfield Hall and Steinway Hall, Birmingham's Symphony Hall, Oxford's Holywell Music Room, Bath's Pump Room, Bristol's Colston Hall and Belfast's Ulster Hall. He has participated in masterclasses and performed with many renowned musicians and ensembles, such as Salvatore Accardo, the Brodsky String Quartet, Levon Chilingirian and the Chilingirian String Quartet, Peter Donohoe, Bernard Greenhouse, Leslie Howard, Joan Enric Lluna and Martino Tirimo. As a concerto soloist he has performed works by Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, Grieg, Rachmaninoff, Shostakovich and Gershwin with orchestras throughout the UK.
International Competition successes include 2nd Prizes in the Amy Brant International Piano Competition, the San Sebastian International Piano Competition, and the Oxford International Piano Competition. In 2010 he was awarded a Jellinek Award in the Guildford Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition, and in 2011 he has won First Prize in the Christopher Duke Piano Competition, the Cattermole Award at the Stratford Festival, and 3rd Prize in The Norah Sande Award. Along with this, in past years he has been named the Kingston, Woking and Croydon Festivals' Young Musician of the Year, and the Richmond Festival's Pianist of the Year, receiving an award from Hanna & Sons Pianos Ltd. in the process. In 2010 he was accepted onto the prestigious Britten-Pears Young Artists Programme 2010, where he worked with sopranos Louise Alder and Hannah Bradbury, taking part in masterclasses with Dame Ann Murray, Ian Partridge and Andrew West. Recently he is delighted to have been selected to appear in Making Music's Concert Promoter's Network Brochure 2013-14. He was also the only successful pianist in Making Music's Young Concert Artists Competition 2012, and as such is a Recommended Artist under Making Music's Philip & Dorothy Green Award scheme for 2012.
An avid chamber musician, John Paul has an extensive repertoire of piano and string works, from duos to trios, quartets and quintets. He is a past prize-winner in the Anglo-Czechoslovak Trust Chamber Music Competition, and enjoys a busy schedule working with his many chamber music partners. He recently formed The Cremona Piano Trio, with Michal Cwizewicz and Liubov Ulybysheva, and they have already started to give acclaimed performances in the UK. Despite being together for just a few months, in early 2012 they won the Audience Prize in the final of the St. Martin-in-the-Fields Chamber Music Competition.
Educational and outreach work is enormously important to John Paul too, and as well as private teaching he has also given workshops and masterclass-recitals to great acclaim in the UK.
John Paul was particularly honoured to be presented to Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince Philip at a Reception for Young Performers at Buckingham Palace in 2011.
Craig worked with John at the 2012 Making Music Conference Concert "Jubilate!" where John was a featured soloist in the performance of Edward Gregson's An Age of Kings, conducted by Craig.
Further information on John can be found at his website www.jpekinspianist.com
He has performed at a number of prestigious venues in the UK and abroad, including Bucharest's Athenaeum, Zurich's Tonhalle, Prague's Martinu Hall, Bergen's Troldhaugen, Krakow's Florianka Hall, London's Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Fairfield Hall and Steinway Hall, Birmingham's Symphony Hall, Oxford's Holywell Music Room, Bath's Pump Room, Bristol's Colston Hall and Belfast's Ulster Hall. He has participated in masterclasses and performed with many renowned musicians and ensembles, such as Salvatore Accardo, the Brodsky String Quartet, Levon Chilingirian and the Chilingirian String Quartet, Peter Donohoe, Bernard Greenhouse, Leslie Howard, Joan Enric Lluna and Martino Tirimo. As a concerto soloist he has performed works by Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, Grieg, Rachmaninoff, Shostakovich and Gershwin with orchestras throughout the UK.
International Competition successes include 2nd Prizes in the Amy Brant International Piano Competition, the San Sebastian International Piano Competition, and the Oxford International Piano Competition. In 2010 he was awarded a Jellinek Award in the Guildford Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition, and in 2011 he has won First Prize in the Christopher Duke Piano Competition, the Cattermole Award at the Stratford Festival, and 3rd Prize in The Norah Sande Award. Along with this, in past years he has been named the Kingston, Woking and Croydon Festivals' Young Musician of the Year, and the Richmond Festival's Pianist of the Year, receiving an award from Hanna & Sons Pianos Ltd. in the process. In 2010 he was accepted onto the prestigious Britten-Pears Young Artists Programme 2010, where he worked with sopranos Louise Alder and Hannah Bradbury, taking part in masterclasses with Dame Ann Murray, Ian Partridge and Andrew West. Recently he is delighted to have been selected to appear in Making Music's Concert Promoter's Network Brochure 2013-14. He was also the only successful pianist in Making Music's Young Concert Artists Competition 2012, and as such is a Recommended Artist under Making Music's Philip & Dorothy Green Award scheme for 2012.
An avid chamber musician, John Paul has an extensive repertoire of piano and string works, from duos to trios, quartets and quintets. He is a past prize-winner in the Anglo-Czechoslovak Trust Chamber Music Competition, and enjoys a busy schedule working with his many chamber music partners. He recently formed The Cremona Piano Trio, with Michal Cwizewicz and Liubov Ulybysheva, and they have already started to give acclaimed performances in the UK. Despite being together for just a few months, in early 2012 they won the Audience Prize in the final of the St. Martin-in-the-Fields Chamber Music Competition.
Educational and outreach work is enormously important to John Paul too, and as well as private teaching he has also given workshops and masterclass-recitals to great acclaim in the UK.
John Paul was particularly honoured to be presented to Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince Philip at a Reception for Young Performers at Buckingham Palace in 2011.
Craig worked with John at the 2012 Making Music Conference Concert "Jubilate!" where John was a featured soloist in the performance of Edward Gregson's An Age of Kings, conducted by Craig.
Further information on John can be found at his website www.jpekinspianist.com
Catrin Finch, Harp
Unsurpassed in the skill with her instrument, leading virtuoso harpist Catrin truly deserves her title "Queen of Harps". Aptly described as "one of classical music's most exciting, prodigiously brilliant young stars" Craig has been fortunate to work with Catrin on a number of occasions including her appearances as featured soloist of the 2003 Welsh Brass Arts Festival, in the 2006/07 series of Electric Brass performances and in the 2008 production The Planets.
Further information on Catrin can be found at her own website www.catrinfinch.com
Further information on Catrin can be found at her own website www.catrinfinch.com
Joji Hirota, Percussion
Craig worked with percussion virtuoso Joji on the 2007 project World Dances. The collaboration between Joji's Japanese Taiko Drummers and the traditional British-style brass band was without doubt one of the most satisfying projects of the entire festival series.
Further information on Joji, his current activities, and truly outstanding achievements over the years can be found at his own website www.jojihirota.com
Further information on Joji, his current activities, and truly outstanding achievements over the years can be found at his own website www.jojihirota.com
Nick Hudson, Trombone
Son of star cornetist John Hudson, Nick was appointed principal trombone of the world famous Foden Motor Works Brass Band at the age of just fifteen. During his fourteen years in that position he established an international reputation as one of Europe's finest trombone players and teachers.
On both resident and freelance levels, Nick has played with most of the UK’s top brass bands; Britannia Building Society Band, Leyland Band, Yorkshire Building Society Band, Black Dyke Mills Band, Grimethorpe Colliery and the Fairey Band; and been guest soloist with many ensembles including the New York Staff Band, Grimethorpe Colliery Band, the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, National Youth Brass Band of Switzerland, NJBB Graubunden, National Youth Brass Band of New Zealand, Enfield Citadel Band, Kortrijk Brass Band, Brass Band De Bazuin Oenkerk, Maple Leaf Brass Band, Brass Band Willebroek and Lyngby-Taarbaek Brass Band.
Craig worked with Nick in 2003 where he was guest soloist, with Craig directing, at the Northop Festival of Music.
On both resident and freelance levels, Nick has played with most of the UK’s top brass bands; Britannia Building Society Band, Leyland Band, Yorkshire Building Society Band, Black Dyke Mills Band, Grimethorpe Colliery and the Fairey Band; and been guest soloist with many ensembles including the New York Staff Band, Grimethorpe Colliery Band, the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, National Youth Brass Band of Switzerland, NJBB Graubunden, National Youth Brass Band of New Zealand, Enfield Citadel Band, Kortrijk Brass Band, Brass Band De Bazuin Oenkerk, Maple Leaf Brass Band, Brass Band Willebroek and Lyngby-Taarbaek Brass Band.
Craig worked with Nick in 2003 where he was guest soloist, with Craig directing, at the Northop Festival of Music.
Claire Jones, Harp
In 2007, Claire Jones was appointed Official Harpist to His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. Born in Crymych, Pembrokeshire in 1985 Claire began her musical education at the age of 7. She excelled equally on the violin, harp and piano before deciding to pursue a career as a harpist. As a schoolgirl she performed extensively on all three instruments receiving numerous prizes at competitions and festivals including the National Eisteddfod and National Urdd Eisteddfod of Wales. Perhaps a sign of things to come, at the age of 16 she first performed for Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
In 2003 Claire began her studies at the Royal College of Music. Notable solo performances during this period included concertos with the Welsh Sinfonia and the National Youth String Academy of London and recitals at the Fishguard International Music Festival and Aberystwyth MusicFest. She also participated in masterclasses with some of the world’s finest harpists, including Marisa Robles and Isabelle Perrin. In 2006 Claire won the Royal College of Music Harp Competition as well as the solo harp competition at the National Eisteddfod. She was also a finalist at both the 3rd International Harp Competition in Lille, France and the Camac Harp Competition, North London. Under the guidance of her then teacher Ieuan Jones she graduated from the Royal College of Music in 2007 with 1st Class Honours.
Since being appointed HRH’s official harpist Claire has performed for members of the Royal Family on numerous occasions. Engagements have included performances at Windsor Castle, St. James’ Palace, Highgrove House, Clarence House, Cardiff Castle, and Dumphries House, Scotland. In December Claire was invited by Valery Gergiev to join the Mariinsky Theatre Ballet Orchestra as guest artist for a concert at Windsor Castle in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses. She was also asked by the Royal Academy of Music to conduct a private performance for Her Majesty the Queen when she visited the Conservatoire earlier this year.
Notable public appearances over the past year have included solo performances at the opening ceremony of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, Bryn Terfel’s Faenol Festival (in association with Live Music Now) and Cambridge Summer Music Festival. Alongside fellow harpists Catrin Finch and Jemima Phillips, Claire also performed a specially commissioned piece by Karl Jenkins at the opening gala of the European Harp Symposium at the Millennium Centre Cardiff. Live television and radio broadcasts last year included appearances on GMTV, BBC, HTV, S4C news, S4C Wedi 7, Classic FM, Radio 3, Radio Cymru, and Radio Wales.
Claire recently made her London debut at Cadogan Hall with the English Chamber Orchestra for the premiere of Patrick Hawes’ Lazarus Requiem. Later in the year Claire will again collaborate with Patrick Hawes for the premiere of his piece for solo harp and string orchestra – a specially commissioned piece for HRH the Prince of Wales’s 60th birthday celebrations.
Other highlights for 2008 include a performance of the Mozart flute and harp concerto with William Bennett and the ECO, concertos with the European Union Chamber Orchestra, and performances at London, Bryn Terfel’s Faenol, Plaxtol and Howden Music Festivals.
In December Claire launched her debut CD ‘Touching Gold’ through Kissan Records and will be hosting further launches in Cardiff and London during the summer. In addition, she will be making appearances in support of her chosen Charities – The Prince’s Trust, The Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts, and Wellbeing of Women. With support from the Victor Salvi Foundation she will be conducting harp workshops in schools and also working on behalf of Live Music Now throughout the UK.
After studying with Skaila Kanga as a postgraduate scholar at the Royal Academy of Music, Claire was one of the first recipients of the Prince of Wales Advanced Study Awards Scheme, aimed at helping Wales’s most outstanding young musical talent. She is also supported by the Victor Salvi Foundation and the Cork Fund
Craig worked with Claire on the 2010 arts project The Red Lady of Paviland, further information on which can be found in the projects section of this site
In 2003 Claire began her studies at the Royal College of Music. Notable solo performances during this period included concertos with the Welsh Sinfonia and the National Youth String Academy of London and recitals at the Fishguard International Music Festival and Aberystwyth MusicFest. She also participated in masterclasses with some of the world’s finest harpists, including Marisa Robles and Isabelle Perrin. In 2006 Claire won the Royal College of Music Harp Competition as well as the solo harp competition at the National Eisteddfod. She was also a finalist at both the 3rd International Harp Competition in Lille, France and the Camac Harp Competition, North London. Under the guidance of her then teacher Ieuan Jones she graduated from the Royal College of Music in 2007 with 1st Class Honours.
Since being appointed HRH’s official harpist Claire has performed for members of the Royal Family on numerous occasions. Engagements have included performances at Windsor Castle, St. James’ Palace, Highgrove House, Clarence House, Cardiff Castle, and Dumphries House, Scotland. In December Claire was invited by Valery Gergiev to join the Mariinsky Theatre Ballet Orchestra as guest artist for a concert at Windsor Castle in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses. She was also asked by the Royal Academy of Music to conduct a private performance for Her Majesty the Queen when she visited the Conservatoire earlier this year.
Notable public appearances over the past year have included solo performances at the opening ceremony of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, Bryn Terfel’s Faenol Festival (in association with Live Music Now) and Cambridge Summer Music Festival. Alongside fellow harpists Catrin Finch and Jemima Phillips, Claire also performed a specially commissioned piece by Karl Jenkins at the opening gala of the European Harp Symposium at the Millennium Centre Cardiff. Live television and radio broadcasts last year included appearances on GMTV, BBC, HTV, S4C news, S4C Wedi 7, Classic FM, Radio 3, Radio Cymru, and Radio Wales.
Claire recently made her London debut at Cadogan Hall with the English Chamber Orchestra for the premiere of Patrick Hawes’ Lazarus Requiem. Later in the year Claire will again collaborate with Patrick Hawes for the premiere of his piece for solo harp and string orchestra – a specially commissioned piece for HRH the Prince of Wales’s 60th birthday celebrations.
Other highlights for 2008 include a performance of the Mozart flute and harp concerto with William Bennett and the ECO, concertos with the European Union Chamber Orchestra, and performances at London, Bryn Terfel’s Faenol, Plaxtol and Howden Music Festivals.
In December Claire launched her debut CD ‘Touching Gold’ through Kissan Records and will be hosting further launches in Cardiff and London during the summer. In addition, she will be making appearances in support of her chosen Charities – The Prince’s Trust, The Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts, and Wellbeing of Women. With support from the Victor Salvi Foundation she will be conducting harp workshops in schools and also working on behalf of Live Music Now throughout the UK.
After studying with Skaila Kanga as a postgraduate scholar at the Royal Academy of Music, Claire was one of the first recipients of the Prince of Wales Advanced Study Awards Scheme, aimed at helping Wales’s most outstanding young musical talent. She is also supported by the Victor Salvi Foundation and the Cork Fund
Craig worked with Claire on the 2010 arts project The Red Lady of Paviland, further information on which can be found in the projects section of this site
Megan Morris, Harp
Megan is a second year harpist at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, studying with Caryl Thomas. Her solo prizes include First Prize in the Music in the Vale competition in 2007 and the Most Promising Harpist award in the 2011 National Eisteddfod of Wales.
As a solo performer Megan has played for HRH The Prince of Wales and the Prime Minister of Ireland, and also accompanied the singer Mark Llywelyn Evans. In August 2012 she participated in a workshop at the National Eisteddfod of Wales with "Queen of Harps" Catrin Finch, and then in September 2012 was featured in the Making Music Conference Concert as a soloist in the performance of Edward Gregson's “An Age of Kings”. This performance was recorded by BBC Radio 3 and conducted by Craig.
Megan has recently competed in the International Lyon and Healy Awards and is delighted to now hold the position of Principal Harpist to Cardiff Symphonic Winds
As a solo performer Megan has played for HRH The Prince of Wales and the Prime Minister of Ireland, and also accompanied the singer Mark Llywelyn Evans. In August 2012 she participated in a workshop at the National Eisteddfod of Wales with "Queen of Harps" Catrin Finch, and then in September 2012 was featured in the Making Music Conference Concert as a soloist in the performance of Edward Gregson's “An Age of Kings”. This performance was recorded by BBC Radio 3 and conducted by Craig.
Megan has recently competed in the International Lyon and Healy Awards and is delighted to now hold the position of Principal Harpist to Cardiff Symphonic Winds
Paul Shallcross, Piano
Craig worked with pianist Paul on the live music and film project Brass Tracks in 2005. Silent movie expert Paul has composed many works to accompany silent movies, notably the early works of Welsh film pioneer William Haggar.
Craig worked with Paul to transcribe a number of Paul's scores for band, which were then conducted by Craig and Paul in live performances to Haggar's original films in the Brass Tracks performances in Swansea, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Leicester
Paul continues to be in high demand performing for live film performances across the UK
Craig worked with Paul to transcribe a number of Paul's scores for band, which were then conducted by Craig and Paul in live performances to Haggar's original films in the Brass Tracks performances in Swansea, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Leicester
Paul continues to be in high demand performing for live film performances across the UK
James Watson, Trumpet
Craig was fortunate enough to play under the baton of legendary trumpet soloist James
Watson as a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales between
1997 and 2001, the entire period James was Artistic Director. Craig also
played under James at the Canford School of Music, and in concert with
the famous Black Dyke Band, under James' baton, at Manchester's
Bridgewater Hall in 2000.
Former principal trumpet of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Opera House, London Sinfonia and Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, James was Craig's first choice as featured soloist of the inaugural Welsh Brass Arts Festival in 2001. At the event James premiered Andrew Powell's 'Concerto Melyncoch' for solo trumpet and brass band, which had been commissioned especially for him by Craig for the occasion. Craig conducted that first performance, in the presence of the composer, and also shared the stage with James in performances of the Goedicke Concert Etude, Joy Webb's 'Share My Yoke' and a four piece Ted Heath Big Band Set.
An internationally renowned performer, conductor and tutor James was Head of Brass at London's prestigious Royal Academy of Music until his sudden and untimely death at the age of 59 in February 2011. He continues to be missed across the musical world.
Former principal trumpet of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Opera House, London Sinfonia and Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, James was Craig's first choice as featured soloist of the inaugural Welsh Brass Arts Festival in 2001. At the event James premiered Andrew Powell's 'Concerto Melyncoch' for solo trumpet and brass band, which had been commissioned especially for him by Craig for the occasion. Craig conducted that first performance, in the presence of the composer, and also shared the stage with James in performances of the Goedicke Concert Etude, Joy Webb's 'Share My Yoke' and a four piece Ted Heath Big Band Set.
An internationally renowned performer, conductor and tutor James was Head of Brass at London's prestigious Royal Academy of Music until his sudden and untimely death at the age of 59 in February 2011. He continues to be missed across the musical world.