Our Musicians
ELEANOR PERCY - VIOLIN
Eleanor Percy is an acclaimed violinist who has won numerous prizes and awards for her work. She gives regular performances at the world’s leading concert halls with pianist Irina Lyakhovskaya, these include the Philharmonic Hall in St Petersburg, the Coliseum in Porto and annual recitals at the Wigmore Hall. They have recorded the complete Mozart sonatas for the Melodiya label and have broadcast for BBC television.
As an orchestral player, Eleanor regularly works with major ensembles including the English Chamber Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. She is also in demand as a soloist, and has performed many concertos ranging from Bach and Mozart to Brahms and Stravinsky.
In 1999 she won the TCM Association’s Outstanding Performance Award for her interpretation of the Glazunov concerto.
Eleanor studied at Trinity College of Music with Nona Liddell MBE and graduated with 1st class honours in 2002. She returned to the college as a Junior Fellow in 2003.
PAUL BARRETT - VIOLIN
Paul Barrett is an extra with the RPO, plays regularly with London Concertante, Orchestra Nova, Birmingham Opera Company, London Orchestra de Camera, and was a member of the Southbank Sinfonia in 2005.
Paul performed the premiere of Stuart Hancock’s Violin Concerto, and led the orchestra on many occasions including Sir John Tavener’s premiere of the ballet ‘Amu’ with the Random Dance Company at Saddlers Wells. Paul has also played to Royalty at Windsor Castle and St James’ Palace.
His solo and chamber music experience includes Britten's Sinfonietta at the Wigmore Hall, Messaen’s Theme and Variations, and Stravinky’s Soldier’s Tale as principal Violin with the London Contemporary Music Group, and Bach’s Double Concerto with London Concertante.
Paul plays with many String Quartets and has recently recorded an album with Scott Matthews (Ivor Novello award winner), and recordings with Orchestra Nova for Cecillia McDowell and David Matthews. Paul has also recorded music for feature and short films including E.M.R, the Channel 4 film E=MC2, "Born to Win" trailer for the BBC, and with Mcasso Music Production Ltd.
Paul studied Violin at Trinity College of Music in London and graduated with Distinction in a Postgraduate Diploma in Performance, studying with Gillian Findlay.
TIM GILBERT- CELLO
Tim Gilbert began playing the cello at the age of eight and went on to complete his studies at Trinity College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Tim has played with many orchestras including the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, English Symphony Orchestra, Bath Philharmonic, National Chamber Orchestra of Wales, Virtuosi of London, National Symphony Orchestra, London Soloist’s Chamber Orchestra, Kentish Opera, and Vivaldi Concertante.
Tim pursues a busy career as a session, chamber musician and Music teacher. Tim is a cellist for the Arcosanti String Quartet and Duo. He has worked with various contemporary music groups, and has appeared as a guest soloist on various cruises.
JO HAMPSON-GILBERT - VIOLA/VIOLIN
Jo Hampson-Gilbert began her musical studies at the age of six, and won a full scholarship to study at Trinity College of Music, London.
Jo studied the Viola and Violin under Sophie Langdon, Nic Pendlebury and Richard Crabtree.
As a founder member of the Arcosanti Quartet and Duo, she regularly performs at functions, weddings and undertakes recording work for various independent Record Labels. Jo also performs as a chamber musician with a variety of String Quartets and Ensembles.
Jo pursues a busy career as a musician and Co-ordinator of Music at an independent Prep school in Wiltshire.
Jo is active in the management and promotion of musicians and is the driving force behind the Arcosanti Quartet and Duo.