Strings

Josie Ellis

Josie joined the bbc symphony orchestra in 2019 and she continues to freelance with the uk’s finest orchestras, including the london symphony orchestra, the philharmonia and english national opera. She was a prize winner at the royal academy of music and graduated with first class honours.

Bryony Moody

Bryony is a versatile cellist with a diverse career spanning orchestral, chamber, and session performances, playing with top UK orchestras and recording for leading artists like Craig David and George Ezra.
A dedicated educator, she teaches at Lambrook Prep and Shrewsbury House School while coaching on West of England Youth Orchestra courses, all while playing an English cello crafted by A&J Betts.

Tim Smedley

Tim is Head of Chamber Music and cello tutor at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, also teaching at Chetham’s School of Music. He performs internationally on modern and period instruments, frequently as principal cellist with Northern Chamber Orchestra and others. Tim has recorded with leading early music ensembles and teaches widely, including masterclasses in China and the UK. He is a former Chetham’s and RNCM student and has held teaching posts at several prestigious institutions.

Tim Steggals

With over 30 years of international performance and teaching experience, Tim is a world-class cellist and inspiring educator. He has played with top orchestras, toured with Sting, and performed at the BBC Proms, Wigmore Hall, and for the Royal Family. A graduate and former fellow of the Royal College of Music, he now heads strings at Bishop’s Stortford College and teaches at Haileybury. His lessons—online or in person—are tailored, supportive, and rooted in real-world expertise.

Dorina Markoff

Dorina is an internationally acclaimed violinist born in Bulgaria, educated in the U.S., and now based in London. A former member of the Sofia Philharmonic and the Mahler Youth Orchestra, she has collaborated with world-renowned artists and composers across genres. Her musical journey began in early childhood and was shaped by influential mentors and rich cultural experiences. Dorina brings passion, versatility, and deep artistry to every performance and project.

Ayse Osman

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.

Kerenza Peacock

Kerenza, a Royal Academy of Music graduate now based in Cornwall, has recorded several albums as a soloist with the Royal Philharmonic and London Symphony Orchestra, with her music frequently played on classical radio worldwide. She led the Pavão String Quartet on extensive tours across Europe and the Middle East and has toured as a fiddle player with the alt-bluegrass band The Coal Porters. Kerenza’s film and TV credits include Encanto and Avatar, and she has recorded with artists like Harry Styles and Adele, serving as concertmaster on Adele’s world tour and Vegas residency. She also led a global project uniting 94 violinists in support of Ukrainian musicians during the conflict.

Kwesi Edman

Kwesi is a British cellist and conductor celebrated for his expressive and versatile musicianship across classical, contemporary, and popular genres. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, he has performed with leading ensembles such as the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields and the BBC Concert Orchestra, and collaborated with artists including Elton John and Damon Albarn. As an educator, Kwesi teaches at Forest School and directs multiple programmes including the Oxford Cello School and Chamber Academy Orchestra, promoting technical excellence, creativity, and inclusivity in music education.

Ben Havinden

Born in London into a family of musicians, Ben studied at the Purcell School and the Royal College of Music, learning from Neil Tarlton, principal bass of the Philharmonia Orchestra. After graduating, he attended an intensive studio course in Canada with renowned bass virtuoso Gary Karr. Ben spent six years with the Welsh National Opera Orchestra and has since performed with ensembles such as the London Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and Bergen Philharmonic. As an educator, he has guest taught at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and recently gave a masterclass at Oklahoma City University in the US.

Shu-Wei Tseng

Shu-wei Tseng is a distinguished Taiwanese-British pianist and cellist renowned for her virtuosity and artistry. She has performed internationally across four continents, including high-profile events like the 75th D-Day commemoration and sold-out shows with New York City Ballet’s principal dancer. With over 30 years of performing experience and 25 years teaching in multiple languages, Shu-wei has held positions at leading music institutions in the UK and USA. Her academic credentials include a DMA from CU Boulder and multiple degrees from the Royal Academy of Music, alongside UK teaching qualifications and a role as a global ambassador for CU Boulder.

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