Charis Jenson - Violin

Originally from Bristol, Charis began studying the violin with Alison Welch, continuing with Kathryn Hardman. During this time, she performed regularly as a soloist, winning the Rotary Young Musician of the Year, and was co-leader of the National Youth Orchestra.

During her studies at the Royal College of Music, she was the leader of the RCM Opera Orchestra and the RCM Symphony Orchestra. Together with the Cavell Quartet, she took first prize and performed in the RCM String Player of the Year award at the Wigmore Hall. She won full scholarships to study with Yossi Zivoni and Maciej Rakowski, and won various other awards, including two from the Musicians Benevolent Fund. She includes Christopher Hirons as one of her mentors.

Whilst still a student, Charis began playing with the John Wilson Orchestra, with whom she has since performed in BBC Proms broadcasts and in America. She also works regularly with a number of other orchestras including the London Chamber Orchestra, the Dmitri Ensemble and the London Contemporary Orchestra.

As a chamber musician and soloist, Charis has given recitals throughout the UK and internationally. Broadcasts include Radio 3's Late Junction and a live performance for BBC Proms Plus.

Charis has a close association with the Choir of London, a charitable trust committed to helping Palestinian musicians take a place on the world stage. Most recently, she was leader of their fundraising concert, a performance of Tavener’s Lament for Jerusalem.

Charis is supported by Sir Roger and Lady Stephanie Carr, the Countess of Munster Musical Trust, the South Square Trust, the Marylebone Education Fund, and the Leverhulme Trust.

Works performed:
Brahms - Double Concerto - Sat 14 Nov 2015