Thomas Andreas
Since graduating from the Colchester Institute with a BA Honours Degree in music, Thomas has been working as a freelance violinist and music teacher in the London and South East areas. He currently performs for the Collaborative Orchestra, where he is also second violin principal and performs as the lead violinist in one of the orchestra’s string quartets. He also performs for the Essex Concert Orchestra and Andreas String Ensemble, which he also leads and administers. He has performed for many other groups on a freelance basis. He also teaches the violin and piano for Southend Music Services, Allegro Music and J and C Academy, as well as having his own private teaching practice. He also tutors the string section of the South Essex Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Marian Bango
Marian was born in Slovakia and began his violin studies there aged seven. He has steeped himself in the traditions of classical, authentic gypsy and folk music that all resonate so deeply across Eastern Europe. He has taught music theory, history of music and was a permanent member of the theatre orchestra in the eastern Slovakian city of Kosice, near the Hungarian border. …Read More
Marian was born in Slovakia and began his violin studies there aged seven. He has steeped himself in the traditions of classical, authentic gypsy and folk music that all resonate so deeply across Eastern Europe. He has taught music theory, history of music and was a permanent member of the theatre orchestra in the eastern Slovakian city of Kosice, near the Hungarian border. Marian has an impressive set of concerto solos to his name and is a prolific chamber musician. He describes himself as “a kind of universal musician.”
Katharina Rupprich
Katharina started playing the violin when she was six years old, and music was always one of her biggest hobbies. Joining the Collaborative Orchestra after moving to London was a great way for her to meet new people outside of work. With a busy daytime job, the weekly rehearsals are always something to look forward to. She is always happy to bring along friends, family and work colleagues to concerts, to show them how amazing music can be.
Nicola Smith
Nicola started playing the violin at the age of 7, and has always loved playing with others. She played in school orchestras and was leader of her local area youth orchestra whilst at college. As an adult, she played with a North London Amateur orchestra. Nicola took a break from playing when her children were born, and says she found herself really missing it: then the Collaborative Orchestra landed on her doorstep! …Read More
Nicola started playing the violin at the age of 7, and has always loved playing with others. She played in school orchestras and was leader of her local area youth orchestra whilst at college. As an adult, she played with a North London Amateur orchestra. Nicola took a break from playing when her children were born, and says she found herself really missing it: then the Collaborative Orchestra landed on her doorstep! “I am so pleased to be part of the Collaborative Orchestra, and feel privileged to be playing alongside so many talented musicians,” she told us.
Vaiva Tamosiunaite
Vaiva started learning to play the violin at the age of seven at the Kaunas J.Naujalis Gymnasium of Music. After graduating from the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre with a focus in performance and chamber music ensembles, she played violin with a musical theatre for 2 years. In 2014 she moved to London, where she is an orchestra musician.