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Janice Graham: First Violin

Sub-Leader First Violin

Janice Graham playing the violin

Credit: Andy Paradise

About Janice Graham

Sub-Leader

Janice Graham studied at the Purcell School and Guildhall School of Music and Drama (GSMD) with David Takeno. She was the Gold Medal-winner of the LSO/Shell Competition, won the string prize of the Royal Overseas League Competition, and was awarded English Speaking Union and Julius Iserlis scholarships to study at The Juilliard School with Glenn Dicterow.

She is Leader of the English Sinfonia and was appointed Artistic Director in 2008. Her solo recordings with them include Dohňanyi’s Second Violin Concerto (ASV) and Holst’s Song of the Night and Double Violin Concerto (Naxos).

She was Leader of the English National Opera orchestra from 2007–2020 and performed Meditation at Kenwood with them. Notable opera productions include Jenůfa, Der Rosenkavelier and Lulu. As Leader of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales from 1997–2002, her solo appearances on BBC Radio 3 included the Britten, Nielsen and Mendelssohn violin concertos, Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante and The Lark Ascending.

As Assistant Leader of the London Symphony Orchestra, she took part in their Barbican chamber series with André Previn and Yuri Bashmet. She has also appeared as guest leader with most of the UK’s orchestras.

Other solo recordings include Delius' first and second Violin Sonatas and Walton's Violin Sonata (EMI). She was a professor at the RCM from 1995–2010 and is currently a professor at the GSMD.

Chair Patron

This Chair is currently available for support. Becoming an RPO Chair Patron allows supporters to build a closer relationship with our players and offers unique insights into our broader programme of activity. Find out more about becoming an RPO Chair Patron here.