What encouraged you to join DUOS?

The opportunity to play some amazing rep to such a high standard and meet new people across all years!

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Jamie Frost - Leader

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

The opportunity to play some amazing rep to such a high standard and meet new people across all years!

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What encouraged you to join DUOS?

The opportunity to play some amazing rep to such a high standard and meet new people across all years!

​

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

The opportunity to play some amazing rep to such a high standard and meet new people across all years!

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What encouraged you to join DUOS?

The opportunity to play some amazing rep to such a high standard and meet new people across all years!

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What sort of experience do you have?

I have played in a number of orchestras, of which my favourite was NYO. The opportunity to work with conductors like Carlos Miguel Prieto and soloists like Nicola Benedetti was priceless.

1st Year - Classics - John Snow

1st Year - Music - Collingwood

What are you most looking forward to? 

Meeting/performing alongside fellow music enthusiasts for a live audience (hopefully)

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What experience do you have? 

I've been lucky to be in ensembles as a violin player - chamber music: trios, string quartet, octets, baroque groups.

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

Friend's recommendations, to play in concerts and the opportunity to learn new rep

Benedict Wong - Leader

1st Year - Natural Sciences - John Snow

What are you most looking forward to?

Meeting new people

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Who is your biggest musical inspiration? 

Bedrich Smetana

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I have wanted to join an orchestra and have heard a DUOS recording of Beethoven's 7th Symphony.

Jakub Smekal

4th Year - Physics and Chemistry - Hatfield

Favourite Orchestral Rep? 

I loved playing Shostakovich 5 with DUOS in my first year, but Symphony Fantastique (Berlioz) and Tchaikovsky 4, 5 & 6 still remain some of my favourite pieces to play.

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

Having played in orchestral groups at school, I knew how much fun it is to play as part of a group and make progress together on the rep. Also DUOS Tour, which is a blast!

Alex Down 

1st Year - English Literature - John Snow

What are you most looking forward to? 

Playing some great repertoire! I'm also excited to perform in the cathedral (if we are able to!)

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I have really missed being part of a symphony orchestra and playing some amazing music! I had heard that DUOS is a very high-quality orchestra and I really wanted to be a part of it and meet other like-minded musicians.

Freya Barker

1st Year - Music and Philosophy - St Cuthbert's Society

Musical Experience? 

I've played in many orchestras including the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra.

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Favourite Rep?

Rachmaninov Symphony No.2

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I simply love orchestral music and wanted to get to play spectacular music with likeminded people.

Matthew Madeley

1st year - English Literature - University 

Favourite Orchestral Rep? 

Stravinsky's Firebird Suite

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What are you most looking forward to?

I’m most looking forward to being able to play some fun music (preferably away from my flatmates so I don’t have to use a mute....)!

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

Wanting to get involved with music and meet new people at the same time

Matilda Harvey

2nd Year - Music - St Cuthbert's

What musical experience do you have?

I started violin when I was 8 and I also play piano & trumpet. I’ve been a member of the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland and National Youth Choirs of Scotland and I attended the RCS junior conservatoire..

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I love playing in orchestras and DUOS is a really high standard of orchestra.

Rosie Stewart

1st year MA - Music MA - Hatfield

What musical experience do you have?

Many years of violin playing, playing drums in a rock band, an undergraduate degree in Music.

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Favourite Orchestral Rep?

Rimsky Korsakov - Scheherezade

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I wanted to play some orchestral music this year, as I have not experienced much due to Corona

Luka Lah

2nd Year - Natural Sciences - Josephine Butler

What musical experience do you have?

I’ve played in various symphony and chamber orchestras whilst at school, as well as Essex Youth Orchestra and DU Palatinate Orchestra last year. 

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

Unsurprisingly, my love for playing the violin! I want to do as much orchestral playing as reasonably possible and, importantly, keep pushing myself to improve. I knew DUOS would give me such opportunities as it is recognised as the highest standard symphony orchestra in Durham.

Catherine Whittle

2nd Year - Liberal Arts - St Cuthbert's

What musical experience do you have?

First violin for year 9 production of 'Beaty and the Beast' - greatest moment of my life.

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What are you most looking forward to?

Concert at the Sage, Gateshead!!

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

Having not done much violin in first year, I really wanted to join orchestras where I could meet lots of lovely people.

Mary-Anne Grego

3rd year- Law - University

What musical experience do you have?

DUPO and DUCE Leader 2019, DUOS since my 1st year, Vice Chancellor's Music Scholar at Durham

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What encouraged you to join DUOS?

The opportunity to partake in amazing opportunities such as masterclasses with professional conductors 

Beth Zheng

2nd Year - Music - Van Mildert

What musical experience do you have?

I played in the 1st violin section of DUPO (chamber & symphony last year), I am also a regular member of NEEMF (the North East Early Music Festival) where I enjoyed playing  repertoire like Schütz's Christmas Story and Purcell's Dido and Aeneas

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I have always loved playing in orchestras and really enjoyed getting to watch a concert they put on last year!

Elwyn Rowlands

1st year - Physics - Hild Bede

What musical experience do you have?

Berkshire youth orchestra - I took my dipABRSM a few years ago 

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Who is your biggest musical inspiration?

My Grandparents who were both professional musicians

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I wanted to meet other musicians and have the opportunity to play some great pieces with amazing people

Georgia Allison

3rd Year - Music - St Cuthbert's Society

What are you most looking forward to?

Our end of year concert at The Sage, Gateshead. It will be fantastic to end the academic year in such an amazing venue!

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

DUOS has been the best part of my university experience so far, and I wanted to continue being a part of it! It allows you to meet like-minded musicians and make high quality music which is the best feeling.

Laura Cooper - Principal

1st year - Liberal Arts - St Aidan's

What musical experience do you have?

I've played the viola for 13 years, and played in various orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout that time

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I always loved playing in ensembles, and I'd heard great things from friends who'd been in it before, so I thought I would give it a go :)

Rosie Harvey

2nd Year - Philosophy - St John's

What are you most looking forward to?

Going on tour!

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Favourite Orchestral Rep? 

Shostakovich 5th Symphony

What sort of musical experience do you have?

I have played in youth orchestras at home all my life and sing too

Anna Davey 

3rd Year - Music - St Cuthbert's Society

What are you most looking forward to?

Get to actually play with the full orchestra

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Favourite Orchestral Rep?

Brahms

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

Been in DUOS since 1st year and I have been enjoying it since then :))

Grace Fu

2nd Year - Music - University 

What are you most looking forward to?

Tour, socials, fab repertoire and of course SAGE, Gateshead

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What sort of musical experience do you have?

Played in orchestra throughout school and was in NCO

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

DUOS has a really welcoming social feel and the repertoire is fun and challenging!

Rosy Heneghan

3rd Year - Music - Trevelyan 

What are you most looking forward to?

The moment we can finally come together as a full orchestra

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What sort of musical experience do you have?

CBSO youth orchestra, so orchestral playing has always been a huge part of my life 

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

DUOS tours are always the highlight of the year

Eben Gutteridge

1st Year - Music - St John's

What are you most looking forward to?Performing with the rest of the Orchestra

What sort of musical experience do you have?

I've been in multiple orchestras only as a Viola player, and have participated in multiple choirs at Tenor or Bass

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I've heard it is one of the best student orchestras in the country

Nick Lau

2nd Year - Liberal Arts - Grey

What are you most looking forward to?

Getting to play some new orchestral pieces​

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What sort of musical experience do you have?

Aside from school orchestras and choirs, I've enjoyed playing chamber music at Pro Corda and with the family growing up

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I wanted to get involved with music at Durham and thought it would be a good chance to meet new people. The DUOS tour also looks like a lot of fun!

Rosie Harrison

3rd Year - Music - University

What musical experience do you have?

I've played in various symphony and chamber orchestras around the country throughout my life. 

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Favourite Orchestral Rep?

Dvorak and Elgar

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

To make great music and meet like minded people!

Gabriel Francis - Dehqani - Principal

1st year - Combined Social Sciences - Grey

What are you most looking forward to?

Looking forward to playing some great new rep this year, and as a fresher definitely getting to meet lots of new people in duos

Favourite Orchestral Rep?

Rachmaninov Symphony No.2

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I’ve seen the great rep they’ve played in the past which looked really fun, and really wanted to get involved in the music scene here at durham

Emily Harrison

2nd year - Music - Held Bede

What musical experience do you have?Orchestral playing is one of my favourite things to do. I was part of a couple of youth orchestra's back home, which included three tours to Germany and France

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

The high standard of playing while meeting lots of like-minded musicians. The orchestra has some fab learning opportunities, such as masterclasses with professional conductors and tours!!

Ruth Thursby

1st Year - Engineering - Trevelyan

What are you most looking forward to?

I'm definitely most looking forward to playing as a part of an orchestra again after a long break during lockdown - I'm also looking forward to learning new repertoire and getting to know the music scene in Durham!

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I've always really enjoyed playing as part of an orchestra, and making music with other like-minded people just makes me happy!

Milo Anderson 

4th year- Liberal Arts - St Cuthbert's

What musical experience do you have?This is my third year of playing in DUOS! I've also played in the pit band for over 20 musicals

What are you looking forward to?

I'm looking forward to getting back into ensemble music-making after such a long break

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

The high standard of musicianship, unrivalled opportunities, and great social life that the society encourages.

Emma Farmer

2nd Year - PPE - St John's

What musical experience do you have?I was in DUOS in my first year and before that I had the chance to play with Andrea Bocelli with the Abu Dhabi NSO. Most importantly though I got to play in a live performance of Frozen.

What are you most looking forward to?

Tour!!

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I wanted to continue playing music at uni and wanted a challenge

Lucie Loridon

3rd Year - Music - St Mary's

What musical experience do you have?

This is my third year playing in DUOS - It has been the best thing I have joined in Durham 

What are you most looking forward to?

Playing in some great venues in Durham and also the Tour!

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

The amazing masterclasses and the incredible music that we play

Alex Acomb

2nd Year - Classics - St John's

Favourite Orchestral Rep?

 Vaughn-Williams, Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis

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What are you most looking forward to?

Tour!!

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

it’s reputation of high-quality music and friendly atmosphere

Georgie Burr

1st Year - Music -Van Mildert

What musical experience do you have?I was in I was in University Orchestra back in my country for 2 years; Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra. I also was in double bass quartet.

What are you most looking forward to?

Get to know people and if it’s possible, performing at the cathedral.

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

Being a part of the orchestra has been one of the best experience of my life, couldn’t resist to join DUOS

Minyoung Song

3rd Year - Theology and Religion - Hild Bede

What musical experience do you have?I was in I am principally a singer, and am an Alto Choral Scholar at Durham Cathedral. However I have played the double bass for 6 years and have some orchestral experience from school

What are you most looking forward to?

Being able to make new friends through the orchestra and go on tour!

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

Having not played the double bass since I left school, I have really missed playing in an orchestra, both musically and socially!

Lucy Evans

3rd Year - Music - St Mary's

What are you most looking forward to?

Hopefully a wonderful concert at the end of the year!!!!

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Biggest Musical Inspiration?

I can’t lie - it’s my grandad! :)

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

High quality music, high quality people, high quality fun

Emily Pugh

1st Year - Music - St Cuthbert's

What musical experience do you have?

I'm primarily a solo pianist and harpist and have performed at concerts, competitions and functions. I've also sung Alto in choirs, including Brecon Cathedral Choir

Biggest Musical Inspiration?

my grandma! she was a music teacher and pianist

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

The high standard of the orchestra and the variety of opportunities to perform

Zoe Clare Solomon

2nd Year - Music - Josephine Butler

What are you most looking forward to?

Playing some top tier repertoire alongside some of Durham's top orchestral musicians!!

Favourite Orchestral Rep?

Maybe 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' or his 'Italian' Symphony.

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I went to a couple of DUOS concerts last year and loved every second of them - a fantastic group of people playing fantastic repertoire!

Katya Davisson

1st Year - Music - Collingwood

What are you most looking forward to?

Finally being able to play in an orchestra in-person! Zoom rehearsals with my youth orchestra over lockdown just weren't the same.

Favourite Orchestral Rep?

Ralph Vaughan Williams' English Folk Song Suite

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

The repertoire looked exciting and I really wanted to play with people who are as passionate about music as I am.

Emily Fox

2nd Year - Music - St Mary's

What Musical Experience do you have?After gaining distinction in grade 8, achieved ARSM and LTCL diplomas. Currently planning to do FTCL in 2021!

Favourite Orchestral Rep?

Anything which is a little different, with funky rhythms and spicy chords to really get my brain in action! I love a challenge!

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I wanted to be challenged and pushed to the next level of orchestral playing!

Elizabeth McCauley

1st Year - Geography - Josephine Butler

What are you most looking forward to?

Finally getting the opportunity to all play together

What musical experience do you have?

I’ve played in a number of ensembles including orchestras, flute choirs, wind quintets and more

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I wanted the opportunity to play some amazing music whilst meeting new people

Mollie Green

2nd Year - Classics - St John's

What Musical Experience do you have?

I have been members of orchestras, choirs and have learnt instruments since I was 5. I play the piano, oboe and sing, I also played the organ for a while! As such, I have been in many choirs, chamber choirs, orchestras and chamber groups for a very long time! 

Favourite Orchestral Rep?

In a large orchestra it has to be anything romantic, on a smaller scale, I love baroque.

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

Music has always been an important part of my life and I am determined to keep my music performance up to a high standard, keep improving and meet more lovely musicians!

Annabel Jenkinson 

2nd Year - Music - John Snow

What Musical Experience do you have?

Many years playing in orchestras, chamber groups and operas. The odd choir and an oboe concerto to complete the roundup.

Favourite Orchestral Rep?

Anything by Stravinsky

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I've always loved orchestral music, and playing in DUOS last year was a fantastic experience that I wanted to repeat!

Jonathan Blake

1st Year - English Lit - St Cuthbert's

What musical experience do you have?

I was principal with the Hampshire Youth Orchestra and performed in a wide range of local ensembles

Favourite Orchestral Rep?

Double Concerto for Cello and Saxophone by Michael Nyman

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I also enjoy the opportunity to play with such enthusiastic and able musicians and perform the best music ever written.

Aelfred Hillman

Music Masters - Trevelyan

What musical experience do you have?Clarinetist with Liverpool Phil and Halle Youth Orchestras. Clarinetist with National Youth Orchestra of GB. Dep and former trialist with Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Favourite Orchestral Rep?

Most compositions by Stravinsky, Ravel, and Mahler. Can’t beat a bit of Mozart Clarinet Concerto either.

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

Great rep. Friendly people. Good banter.

Josh Ward

1st Year - Engineering - Hatfield

What musical experience do you have?Principal Bassoon - St. Paul’s School

What are you most looking forward to?

Rehearsing in a non socially-distanced environment.

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I saw the repertoire that the orchestra had performed before and I wanted to expand my orchestral playing experience by joining.

David Tigue

3rd Year - Natural Sciences - Van Mildert

What musical experience do you have?

I’ve performed in competitions and been on tour to Leipzig in a bassoon quartet, as well as playing in Sheffield city centre to raise money for our music hub. I’ve played in several orchestras through the years, both chamber and symphony.

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I was really impressed by the quality of performance I heard from DUOS and wanted to be a part of it!

Rachel Egner

1st Year - Psychology - Josephine Butler

What musical experience do you have?I was 1st bassoon in Stoneleigh Youth Orchestra and my school symphony orchestra. I have also played in BBC youth proms.

What are you most looking forward to?

To be able to play in person and hopefully end up playing in a concert.

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I wanted to meet like minded people who I could play with. DUOS also had fun, challenging, and new repertoire for me to try out.

Lotte Hemke

1st Year - Natural Sciences - Collingwood

What musical experience do you have?

I've played in the NCO and more recently the NYO for 2 years and the CBSO Youth. I studied at the junior academy for 2 years with Beth Randall and Simon de Souza

Favourite Orchestral Rep?

Basically anything from Richard Strauss - he writes some really great horn lines

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

To expand my orchestral repertoire and explore the music scene at durham.

Josh Osborn-Patel

2nd Year - English Lit - Hild Bede

What musical experience do you have? 

I've mainly played in Orchestras but also small brass and jazz groups. During 6th form I also attended the Royal College of Music Junior Department. More recently, I’ve played in some local amateur orchestras at home which has been good fun.

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

Music has always been an important part of my life and I was just very excited about the prospect of playing in a University orchestra of such a high standard and meeting like minded people.

Martha Kean

3rd Year - Music - St Hild and St Bede

What musical experience do you have?I have played in various school and youth orchestras throughout my life in addition to spending four years at the Junior Royal Academy of Music 

Favourite Orchestral Rep?

some of the lesser known works we have played in Chamber, namely Larsson's Lyrisk Fantasie and Poulenc's Les Animaux modéles Suite

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I have had a fantastic time playing in both DUOS Symphony and Chamber since first year and was keen to continue playing great repertoire this year with some of the best musicians in Durham.

Oonagh Taylor

1st Year - Music and Philosophy- South

What musical experience do you have?

I have been a member of The National Yourh Orchestra of Great Britain, The National Youth Brass Band, The Guildhall School of Music and Drama as well as The Thames Youth Orchestra and Thames Youth Jazz Orchestra. I also love to sing, having been a member of various choirs such as The Holles Singers.

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What encouraged you to join DUOS?

The incredibly high standard of music-making.

Charlotte Ward

3rd year- Music - St Aidan's

What are you most looking forward to?

A personal highlight will be recording Hummel's Trumpet Concerto with DUOS Chamber

What musical experience do you have?

Highlights include performing Mahler's Fifth Symphony in Durham Cathedral with DUOS as principal trumpet. I also enjoy performing with function bands 

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

The opportunity to perform with like-minded musicians and produce high-quality classical music.

Martha Lily Dean

2nd year - English Literature - St Aidan's

What are you most looking forward to?

When we can play together in person again

What musical experience do you have?

I played in the National Youth Orchestra for a number of years on both violin and trumpet - through which I had some amazing performance opportunities of incredible repertoire, and made some life long friends. I studied at Junior Guildhall

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

The opportunity for an excellent standard of orchestral playing with lovely people!

Clara Falkowska

1st Year - Law - St Aiden's

What musical experience do you have?

Did JRAM and Guildhall - mostly classical but also brass band and big band music. And love music theatre pit band playing.

Biggest Musical Inspiration?

Marin Alsop (first woman to conduct on last night proms in its 118yrs!)

What are you most looking forward to?

Actually playing !!! It’s been tooooo long... :(

Ffion Haffenden

1st Year - Maths - Van Mildert

What musical experience do you have?

I have played in many youth orchestra in Ireland including the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra, Ulster Youth Orchestra and National Youth Orchestra of Ireland. Although I don’t solely play orchestral stuff and have also enjoyed playing jazz and brass music with other ensembles like the Ulster Youth Jazz Orchestra.

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

I love playing in an orchestra, there’s just something about working with others towards the common goal of a beautiful piece of music that’s amazing. And rehearsal shenanigans along the way are the best kind of shenanigans

Patrick Creagh

2nd Year - Music- St John's

What musical experience do you have?

I played trombone in the West Sussex Youth Orchestra for a few years before coming to Durham

Favourite Orchestral Rep?

Finlandia - Sibelius

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

t’s the highest standard orchestra in the university, and the masterclasses are an amazing opportunity!

Billy Crook

Masters - International Relations - Van Mildert

Who is your biggest musical inspiration

Carol Jantsch (literally coolest female tuba player ever)

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Favourite Orchestral Rep?

Mahler 3 (or any mahler symphony really)

What encouraged you to join DUOS?

have made some of my best memories of uni at DUOS, and knew that this was going to be a really exciting year to a part of DUOS adapting to these new times

Kate Long