Violinist...
Photo courtesy of Moray Watson
David began playing the violin at the age of 7 under the tutelage of Frank Marrison, a teacher with the local peripatetic system. Having advanced extremely rapidly David then began private lessons with local teacher Joe Worrall, who brought David to a higher level of playing. Following advice from his piano teacher, Joan Rowe, David sought an even higher level of tuition and was subsequently invited to study with the legendary British teacher, Nina Martin, who remains today one of David’s greatest inspirations. It was from Ms. Martin that David learned the fine art of interpretation. (Ms. Martin was taught by Fred Grinke who was taught by Jenő Hubay who was taught by Joseph Joachim who was taught by Mendelssohn). Under Ms. Martin’s guidance a vast repertoire was studied. David made his concerto début at the age of 14 playing the Bach E major violin concerto at Alfreton Hall, Derbyshire. At 15 David made his recital début at the Purcell Rooms at the Royal Festival Hall in London where he was enthusiastically appraised by legendary teacher Emmanuel Hurwitz.
David started entering competitions at the age of 15 and won many awards in the next 4 years including the Buxton Recital Competition, Chesterfield Concerto Competition, Rotherham Young Musician of the Year, Sheffield Young Musician of the Year, semi-finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year and many more. David also made numerous appearances playing on BBC television and BBC radio.
By the age of 17 he had also played concertos with The English Camerata, Sheffield Chamber Orchestra, London Virtuosi, Rotherham Youth Orchestra, The East of England Orchestra and the New London Soloists Orchestra.
In 1993 David won a place at the prestigious Royal College of Music in London where he continued his studies with Levon Chilingirian and Rodney Friend. David also received lessons from Pinchas Zukerman, Igor Oistrakh, Felix Andrievsky, Dona Lee Croft and Benedict Cruft.
Whilst at the RCM David formed the Hunt String Quartet and the Graz Piano Trio. These ensembles performed extensively both at the Royal College of Music and in recitals around England. David was also a member of several chamber orchestras (including the European Soloists Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra of England) that toured Europe several times from 1993 to 1999. David was also a founding member of the John Wilson Orchestra and has appeared on several recordings with this ensemble.
David continues to work part time as a freelance violinist and is available for performances, lessons, coachings and special events.