Southbank Sinfonia has been working with young talented musicians for 10 years. In this time, we have helped a large number of musicians launch their orchestral careers.
Here you can find out what just a small handful of them are up to.

Matthew Featherstone flute
Southbank Sinfonia 9

Matthew has done us proud again! This time he has landed himself a job as Principal Flute with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. He says:

“Playing with southbank sinfonia day in day out for 9 months helped me gain the reflexes and confidence I needed to go into pressurised professional orchestral situations and feel I could handle it.

It was a great insight for me in how to work in a wind section in a variety of styles and under a variety of conductors.”

Peter Mallinson viola
Southbank Sinfonia 9

Peter, a quarter of 2011 ‘viola boys’ has recently joined the BBC Symphony Orchestra’s viola section. You can get along to see him in concert by checking out the BBC Symphony Orchestra Concert Diary as well as with the Mit DampferViola Quartet.

Olga Muszyńska violin
Southbank Sinfonia 8

We are pleased to announce that Olga, who led the orchestra in 2010, is the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s latest recruit. She joins the Second Violin section for her first concert on Thursday 19 January, which will be conducted by the orchestra’s Chief Conductor, Vasily Petrenko.

If you happen to be in the area, make sure you go and see Olga on stage! To find out more about the concert visit www.liverpoolphil.com

Laura Sinnerton viola
Southbank Sinfonia 6

Laura, who was a member of the orchestra in 2008, has gone on to play with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. What’s more, she has been writing for them! Read her 2011 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition diary by clicking here.

Charmian Keay violin, Rebecca Hopkin viola,
Patricia Ramirez Reinoso viola, Daniel Bull cello,
Lachlan Radford double bass, Sarah Bennington flute,
Katie Bennington oboe
members of Southbank Sinfonia 7 and 8

Orlando Seale and the Swell

Southbank Sinfonia alumni, and the office’s Orchestra Manager, Claire Wackrow on violin, have been performing as part of the act, Orlando Seale and the Swell and on Sunday 3 April featured on BBC London’s Late Show with Joanne Goode.

Have a listen to their musical offering on BBC iPlayer (performance from 1:11). We have high hopes for this great band!

Idomeneo String Quartet

Eugene, a member and leader of Southbank Sinfonia 2 years ago, now performs with the Idomeneo String Quartet.

The quartet, formed in 2009, has already built a reputation on the continent, having performed at venues in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Austria, and Belgium, as well as performing at high profile venues in the UK, such as the Barbican.

Keep an eye out for this up-and-coming quartet; visit their website, www.idomeneoquartet.com.

Kwesi Edman cello
Southbank Sinfonia 6

Red Magazine, December issue. Kwesi features as the cellist furthest on the right.

SbS 6 cellist, Kwesi Edman, has been spotted modelling in popular fashion publication, Red Magazine. Kwesi graduated from the programme in 2008.

Recent Southbank Sinfonia members, Jem Muharrem and Lachlan Radford have formed Ensemble Pelato, a group performing Turkish Cypriot folk music fused with jazz. Click on the ‘play’ button below to listen to their podcast recorded for SOAS Radio.

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We would love to hear from any alumni as to how they’re getting on. To join the others on this page, email harriet@southbanksinfonia.co.uk with details of what you’re up to.