Ben is a versatile drummer and percussionist with over 30 years of experience spanning theatre, opera, orchestras, and bands across the UK and Europe. A Guildhall graduate, he’s performed everywhere from Sadler’s Wells to the BBC and the London 2012 Olympics. As a passionate educator, Ben teaches all ages and leads workshops and school clubs. He’s also a member of progressive rock band I Am The Manic Whale, with four studio albums and a national tour to his name.
Laura is a London-based bassoonist and teacher, holding teaching posts at Dulwich College, King’s College School, and Eltham College. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and Manhattan School of Music, she has performed with many of the UK’s top orchestras. Career highlights include touring the USA with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and performing at the BBC Proms with Florence + the Machine. In 2015, she was made an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.
Rachel studied baroque flute with Liza Beznosiuk and recorder with Ross Winters at the Royal College of Music, where she won the Richard III Prize for Early Music. She continued at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, earning a bursary to study classical flute with Stephen Preston. Rachel toured with the European Union Baroque Orchestra across Europe and the Far East, and appeared as a concerto soloist on BBC Radio 3. She has performed and recorded with leading baroque ensembles including English Baroque Soloists, Academy of Ancient Music, The Sixteen, and The King’s Consort. With over 30 years’ teaching experience, Rachel has been flute and recorder tutor at Wycombe Abbey School for more than 20 years, nurturing a love of music in pupils of all levels, including those with learning difficulties.
I come from a family of teachers and believe education is personal and transformative. Over 20 years, I’ve developed a tailored teaching approach that helps students at all levels progress at their own pace. From young beginners to returning adults, I focus on making music fun and achievable. If my students enjoy playing as much as I do, they’re already succeeding.
Ayse is a versatile freelance double bassist and bass guitarist with extensive experience in orchestras and theatre, including work with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Royal Shakespeare Company. She enjoys collaborating with composers to create new theatre and performing in West End productions. Passionate about education, Ayse teaches at Uppingham School and Loughborough Grammar, and leads workshops promoting confidence and wellbeing through music. As a mental health advocate, she also writes songs exploring the human experience, blending her instrumental skills with singing.
Anna is an accomplished flutist who has performed with leading UK orchestras including the London Philharmonic, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and Britten Sinfonia. She has recorded for major labels like EMI, Deutsche Grammophon, and Decca, with her solo and chamber albums receiving critical acclaim and extensive radio play. Founder of the Emanuel Ensemble, Anna has performed at prestigious venues such as Wigmore Hall and Cadogan Hall, and given solo recitals internationally. A dedicated educator, she teaches at the Royal College of Music Junior Department, gives masterclasses worldwide, and has participated in the Sir James Galway International Masterclass.
Alice studied at the Royal College of Music and has been teaching and freelancing as a clarinettist and saxophonist in London for 20 years. She has performed extensively in the West End, with credits including War Horse, Oliver!, Les Misérables, A Christmas Carol, and Wicked, and has held chairs at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre. Orchestrally, Alice has played with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, English National Ballet, Royal Ballet Sinfonia, and more. Alongside performing, she is a passionate educator, currently coaching clarinet for the National Youth Concert Band and teaching at St. Albans High School for Girls.
Cai enjoys a diverse performing career spanning chamber groups, classical and operatic orchestras, West End shows, solo work, and conducting, alongside his passion for teaching. He has held leadership roles as Head of Brass at Shrewsbury School and St Paul’s Juniors (Hammersmith), as well as running a private teaching studio. A graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music (BMUS) and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (MMUS), Cai’s freelance orchestral experience includes the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Welsh National Opera, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and more. He has also performed with commercial artists like Sigur Rós and Bastille, toured with Miss Saigon and Wicked, and been involved in world premieres such as Only the Brave and Flowers for Mrs Harris.
Luke is an accomplished flautist with a diverse career in orchestral, theatre, chamber, and solo performance, including West End shows and premieres with the National Symphony Orchestra in Brussels. He studied at Guildhall, learning from Edward Beckett, William Bennett, and Peter Lloyd, and explored baroque flute with Stephen Preston. Luke has performed widely across Europe and is a member of the vibrant flute and percussion duo Panavanti. His recordings include Mozart’s flute quartets with the Cirrus Ensemble.
Gabriella is one of the most versatile and exciting cellists of her generation. She studied at Chetham’s School of Music and the Royal College of Music, where she was awarded the prestigious Tagore Gold Medal and performed the Hugh Wood Cello Concerto in her final year. Gabriella made her Wigmore Hall debut in 2013 and her BBC Proms debut in 2016. Alongside a thriving classical career, she regularly crosses into jazz and pop, working with artists such as Ariana Grande, U2, and Mark Ronson. In April 2025, Gabriella became President of the Independent Society of Musicians.
