Katy Rowe (2nd Violin) < back

Katy grew up in Romsey. In 1999 she was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where she immediately enjoyed an active involvement within the string department. Graduating with a first class honours degree and receiving the college string prize in 2002, she then spent three months at the Newcastle Conservatoire, Australia studying with Elizabeth Holowell before returning to RWCMD, completing her postgraduate diploma in 2004. Awards include the Sir Geraint Evans Scholarship (2003), the Dayas Music Scholarship (2003) and the Eifion Evans Memorial Award (2004).

During her studies Katy enjoyed many orchestral and chamber opportunities, as principal of the various college orchestras, giving concerto performances with the college string ensemble and receiving masterclasses from eminent musicians such as Wen Chou Li, Philippe Graffin, Krystof Smietana and Mi-Kyung Lee.

She was also selected three years running, to take part in the prestigious string placement scheme with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

Katy is an active freelance musician, enjoying music of a variety of genres, with a particular interest in free improvisation. She works for Brollyman Productions, is the violinist for singer/songwriter Christopher Rees, (featuring on his highly acclaimed album; ‘The Sweetest Ache’), has performed for sessions on radio one and two and for the Welsh T.V programme; ‘The Pop Factory’ and appears with the Bath Philamonia, Sinfonia Cymru and National Chamber Orchestra of Wales. She has also worked for WNO MAX - the education and access department of the Welsh National Orchestra.

Previous teachers have included Peter Hanson, Nick Whiting and Michael Thomas. Katy is extremely grateful to Simon Majaro for the loan of one of his instruments.