The Leader
Anneka Sutcliffe
Growing up surrounded by classical music, Anneka started learning the violin and joined her first orchestra aged 7. She has since continually played in orchestras her whole life and developed a deep love for symphonic works. She has led the Orchestra since January 2016.
She studied violin with Richard Crabtree at Clifton College, led the School’s symphony and string orchestras and took the string quartet to national competition level. There she also obtained Grade 8 distinctions in violin and voice: singing in all the choirs and operas the School had going. Staying in Bristol for university, she got a first-class honours degree in Philosophy and Theology then a foundation diploma in Psychotherapy, keeping music as a keen hobby. During a year travelling through Africa in 2013 she missed her violin so much that on her return, she devoted herself to music.
Now a well-established face on the Bristol music scene, she works as a freelance violinist, teacher and fixer. She manages and leads two outfits of her own set-up: the Brunel Quartet and Insight Ensemble. She has recently taken on coaching talented students at Bristol Pre-Conservatoire, collaborating with Bath Strings Academy and assisting with a Recovery Orchestra hosted by Bristol Drugs Project.
She is also leader of Bristol Classical Players and guest-leads Bristol Concert Orchestra.Other live appearances and recordings include: Bristol Opera, Bristol Ensemble, Clifton Baroque Ensemble, Western Opera Players, Bristol Light Opera Company, Echoic Audio, Troyka, My Octopus Mind, This is the Kit, Future Dub Orchestra, Invisible Circus, Bullzini Family Circus, Slamboree, The Transpersonals, Megs Emrys Band and upcoming: Maribou State, Alesund and 5 Billion Diamonds.
Passionate about sharing her love of music, Anneka regularly presents on Bristol Community Radio talking about upcoming concerts in the city and interviewing other enthusiasts. When not engaged with making music, you might find her practising yoga, in a spa or shouting about land and wildlife conservation issues! Contact Anneka directly to discuss any musical matters or inquire about violin lessons.
