WREXHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Sam Aylward - Violin

Sam began his violin studies whilst living in Oswestry, and upon moving to Wrexham continued his studies with Ralph Shaw. He joined Wrexham Symphony Orchestra as a second violinist at the age of twelve, as well as the Clwyd Youth Orchestra (later renamed the Four Counties Youth Orchestra), North Wales Youth Orchestra and National Youth Orchestra of Wales. He was also a founder member of the Harlequin String Quartet alongside tonight’s conductor, Mark Lansom, and member of the Cambrian Philharmonic Orchestra and the Opus One Chamber Orchestra.

After an education at The Maelor School, Penley, and Yale College, Wrexham, Sam opted for a Physics degree at Manchester University, at which he gained First Class Honours. Whilst there, he was also leader of their University and Chamber Orchestras. The lure of music as a vocation was too much, however, and in 2003 Sam embarked on a two-year postgraduate diploma at the Royal Academy of Music, studying with Richard Deakin. Whilst there, he formed the Albion String Quartet, was co-leader of the Academy Concert Orchestra, and played in masterclasses with Aleksander Pavlovich, Thomas Brandis, and the Allegri and Skampa String Quartets.

Despite a busy student and professional life, Sam has continued his links with music making in North Wales, leading the Four Counties Youth Orchestra for many years, as well as the Wrexham Symphony Orchestra in 2003, and playing the Bach concerto with Opus One Chamber Orchestra and the Bruch with the Cambrian Philharmonic Orchestra.

Sam now plays regularly with numerous National ensembles, including Sinfonia Cymru, South Bank Sinfonia, and Blenheim Sinfonia, has worked with Anthony Marwood and has played alongside artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Chloe Hanslip, Bryn Terfel, and Elton John.

December 2005

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