FRANCESCA BARRITT began playing the violin at the age of 9. She later attended the Royal Academy of Music Junior Department and was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, performing under such eminent conductors as Sir Roger Norrington, Yan Pascal Tortellier and Andrew Litton in some of England’s most prestigious venues. Francesca recently graduated with First Class Honours from the Royal College of Music, where she studied with Professor Yossi Zivoni. While at the RCM, she was chosen to lead the Symphony and Opera Orchestras. Francesca has been the permanent leader of the Amadeus Orchestra since 2006 and has also performed as leader of The Orion Symphony Orchestra, Syred Sinfonia, City Side Sinfonia, Orchestra of St. Pauls and Hertfordshire Chamber Orchestra. Francesca works regularly with the New Professionals, European Union Chamber Orchestra and English Touring Opera. Francesca is a keen chamber musician, having received tuition from the Chillingirian Quartet, Melissa Phelps, and Micheal Dussek during her time at the RCM. In 2005 she took part in the renowned chamber music master classes at Prussia Cove, Cornwall. Francesca enjoys using her enthusiasm for chamber music in teaching and outreach contexts, taking part in school string workshops and chamber music projects and performing in hospitals and retirement homes. This year Francesca performs an extensive series of recitals in venues including St. James Piccadilly and The National Gallery with her duo partner Robert Thompson as well as giving performances of Bruch, Mendelssohn and Sibelius Concertos. She will perform Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending with the Amadeus orchestra at this year's summer course.
Michael Ierace is currently studying for his Masters degree in Piano Performance at the Royal College of Music in London with Andrew Ball. He is assisted by the prestigious Elder Overseas Scholarship offered by the University of Adelaide, the Ian Potter Foundation, the Else and Leonard Cross Scholarship and Evelyn Tarrant Award. A former student of the Elder Conservatorium in Adelaide, Michael received numerous awards throughout his studies including the David Galliver Memorial Award, a competition open to outstanding students within the Conservatorium. Notably, Michael won the National MBS Young Performers Award. Since moving to London in September 2007, he has received significant recognition for his efforts. Major success came as Michael was awarded the 'Coutts & Co. Award' for Keyboard in the Royal Over-Seas League Competition, performing in the Queen Elizabeth Hall on London's Southbank Centre. He has since been invited to perform in Edinburgh's world-renowned Fringe Festival.
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Michael Ierace appears in association with the Philip & Dorothy Green Award for Young Concert Artists
