MEET the Orchestra

Paul studied music at King’s College London and the Royal Academy of Music, where he first took conducting lessons with Denise Ham. He has much experience as an orchestral player and has performed at the Royal Festival Hall, Barbican, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and St. John's Smith Square. He has worked with some eminent musicians including Yehudi Menuhin, Vernon Handley and Dame Janet Baker.

Following university Paul had a successful business career with Unilever and Capgemini, whilst remaining in demand as a freelance violist, performing regularly with many orchestras and ensembles, particularly in Surrey and London. He returned to full-time music in 2006, teaching at the Ashcombe School in Dorking. In 2012 he completed a Masters degree, with distinction, in composition and conducting at the University of Surrey, studying conducting with Russell Keable. Following this he worked as Director of Music at Burgess Hill Girls School.

As a composer and arranger Paul has worked with renowned Indian film composer, Illaiyaraaja and has arranged productions for the international touring, charitable music group, Toccata.

Joshua Hugo Gustav von Bohlen began playing the piano at six, the violin and tuba at seven. He won a Lady Dacre Major Music Scholarship to attend Emanuel School, London. Upon graduation, Joshua received prizes in both Physics and Music together with an award for his outstanding contribution to the music department. He also won a place at the Pro Corda International training academy

In 2009, Joshua received a scholarship to attend Trinity Conservatoire junior department, studying violin with David Brodowski and tuba with Oren Marshall where he was awarded the Vivian Joseph String Players Prize. A former leader of Surrey County Youth Orchestra Joshua has performed throughout England and Europe, including at the Royal Albert Hall in the presences of their Royal Highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

A graduate of Trinity Conservatoire Joshua gained his Performance Degree and LTCL in instrumental teaching with Distinction where he studied with Professors Boris Brovtsyn on violin, Matthew Jones on viola, and conducting with Gregory Rose. He was also selected to perform in masterclasses with Michael Bochmann, Ofer Falk, Rivka Golani, and Clio Gould. Joshua also performed alongside members of the BBC Symphony Orchestra live on BBC Radio 3, Philharmonia and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

As a violinist and chamber musician Joshua has performed throughout London and Surrey on stages such as St Johns Smith Square, St James Theatre and the Rose Theatre, whilst enjoying many engagements with The Alzheimer’s Society. Recently, Joshua partnered with Saki Matsumoto as Duo Sonatina, receiving First Prize in the Chamber Virtuoso Competition at Musikverein in Vienna and has performed the Beethoven Romances in Berlin under the direction of Zakhar Bron.

Joshua is much in demand as a teacher with students of all ages ranging from beginners to advanced players. Since joining Kingston Music Service as a violin tutor, Joshua has been appointed director of the advanced and innovative ensemble, Kingston String Sinfonia. Joshua enjoys performing in many local orchestras and is also leader of Surrey Philharmonic Orchestra.

www.violinistjoshuavonbohlen.com