David Watkins
While
still at school, he was a member of the National Youth Orchestra
and a finalist in a Daily Mirror Competition for young instrumentalists.
After studying at the Royal Academy of Music, a French Government
Scholarship enabled him to continue his studies in Paris. Returning
to London, Solti chose him to play with the Orchestra of the Royal
Opera House, Covent Garden. It was a 'Golden Age' which included
performances by Callas, Sutherland, Schwarzkopf, Fonteyn and Nureyev.
He then became a founder member of the new Welsh National Opera
Company under the direction of James Lockhart and, after a short
time with the Royal Philharmonic, joined the London Philharmonic
under the batons of Boult, Solti, Haitink and Tennstedt.
His solo concerts have taken him all over the world, performing many of the compositions
that have been written especially for him. He has also performed as soloist with
the London Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra, etc.
and appeared as soloist with the London Sinfonietta at the London 'Proms' with
Sir Simon Rattle conducting.
Since winning first prize in an International American Competition with his composition
'Petite Suite' for Harp, he has written many pieces including the 'Concertino
Pastorale', which he played with the London Philharmonic at the Royal Festival
Hall, Walter Susskind conducting.
With Princess Grace of Monaco, he devised a recital of poetry and music for the
official engagement of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.
In 2000 he was Principal Harpist at a 'Prom' Concert given by the "World
Orchestra for Peace" conducted by Gergiev. This orchestra was composed of
principal musicians from the world's great orchestras.
Recent concerts have included a performance of his solo harp concerto and his
new concerto for two harps with the Budapest Strings, and a solo recital attended
by the widow of Zoltan Kodály.
He regularly gives concerts and master classes in France, Germany and Italy as
well as the UK and has recently formed a Duo with the distinguished violinist
Michael Bochmann.
His recording of Ravel's Introduction & Allegro with the National Philharmonic
became a bestseller in the USA, and other highly acclaimed recordings have been
issued by RCA, Meridian and Pyramid.
For many years he was Professor of Harp at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and has written a 'Method' for the harp published by Boosey and Hawkes.
Visit David's web site: www.davidwatkins.info