Musicians

String Musicians London only works with the best players – here are some of our top musicians!

Lucy, cello

New Zealand-Dutch cellist and RCM scholar Lucy graduated top of her class in 2018 with an Artist Diploma from the Royal College of Music, London.

She performs regularly with orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony and London Philharmonic, and has recently shared the stage with Hauser and Tom Cruise. As a part of her performances, Lucy has toured all over the world performing as a chamber musician with her piano trio, and an orchestral cellist with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. For the last three years she has performed for the UAE National Day celebrations. Lucy is also a qualified personal trainer, and when not playing music you will likely find her in the gym or running along the Thames!

‘Gijsbers’ playing was exquisite … her impressive power and rich, sweet tone sung through with wonderful artistry. The beautifully crafted phrases and full throated, rich sound showed immediately what an accomplished musician she is.’

Francisca, violin

Portuguese violinist Francisca graduated from the Royal Academy of Music with the highest honours. In consequence she performed her solo debut at Wigmore Hall.

She presents herself as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician, and is in demand worldwide, playing in countries including Italy, Germany, Austria, Spain, United States, China, and the Netherlands.

As an orchestral musician, Francisca performs with top orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Francisca enjoys travelling, extreme activities like skydiving, water sports, dancing in beach clubs around the Mediterranean and reading German and Russian classics.

‘Plenty of sultriness in its melodies, playing with a rich, woody tone and moments of pathos and fire’ – The Strad.

Sara, viola

Sara is a Spanish violist based in London. She graduated top of her class with a Master of Arts degree from the Royal Academy of Music in July of 2024. As a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician, she has performed all over the world in countries including Portugal, Italy, Spain, Austria and across Asia. Orchestrally, Sara works with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, with the Royal Opera House of Spain, Royal Ballet Sinfonia, and the Orchestra of Madrid. At the moment, Sara is a member of the Sinfonia Smith Square fellowship.

When not performing, Sara enjoys spending time at museums and exploring culinary novelties!

Kristen, violin

Kristen is a London-based violinist, who recently graduated from the Royal Academy of Music with Distinction. She has performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and has enjoyed playing in notable venues including the Royal Festival Hall, St. John’s Smith Square, and Cadogan Hall. Kristen performs in a range of commercial settings across Europe, ranging from weddings to show premieres.

Kristen has a keen interest in the delivery of music education, and has a substantial career as a teacher in London. Her commitment to high quality music tuition and performance has led her to be selected as a Lead Instrumental Ambassador for the Benedetti Foundation, where she mentors a group of ambassadors on a weekly basis. Kristen teaches at the Junior Royal Academy of Music (JRAM).

Katya, viola

Katya is an acclaimed violist specialising in solo and chamber repertoire. Born in Belarus, she is a recent top graduate of the Royal College of Music’s Artist Diploma course in Performance. Since moving to London in 2009 she has performed at high-profile venues including Wigmore Hall and the Royal Albert Hall, and with orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra.

Katya performs regularly for weddings and events in the UK and throughout Europe. As well as maintaining a busy performance schedule she is a passionate teacher. On her time off, she enjoys travelling and exploring new places.

Hannah, piano

New Zealand pianist Hannah has been living in the UK for twelve years, first arriving in London to study at the Royal Academy of Music with a scholarship.

Hannah works as a soloist and chamber artist throughout the UK and Europe. She is also one of the directors of the Kettner Society, a charity concert series based in the National Liberal Club. For years, Hannah has been a recitalist on luxury cruise lines. She has also featured as a soloist with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, recording the compositions of New Zealand composers.

She is passionate about presenting a repertoire to her audiences that is both varied and captivating, and seeks to thematize her recital programmes. Often she incorporates visual art, philosophy, and poetry into her concerts, challenging the traditional concert format.

In her own time, Hannah enjoys writing, philosophizing (she has a Masters in Philosophy too!), literature, and exploring different art forms. She regularly hosts film nights where her guests are invited to watch and study a thought-provoking movie.

Ollie, cello

Ollie is an accomplished cellist celebrated for his expressive artistry and versatile performances. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, Oliver has established himself as a sought-after musician, performing for distinguished audiences and at prestigious venues worldwide.

Oliver’s career highlights include performances for renowned figures such as Rod Stewart, Pixie Lott, Prince Harry, the Duke and Duchess of Wellington at their private residence, and the Duchess of Gloucester. In 2024, he gave a private recital for Sir Howard Davies, Chairman of NatWest, and collaborated with the Royal Opera House in a series of performances. In 2023, he performed for HRH The Princess Royal, joined the London Symphony Orchestra for a concert, and played a solo recital for the British Ministry of Defence. That same year, he was a featured soloist at British Airways’ Disaster Committee event at Tower Bridge, hosted by CEO Sean Doyle and Clare Balding CBE.

Ollie has also performed in celebrated venues such as Wigmore Hall, the Barbican Centre Concert Hall, and Westminster’s Houses of Parliament.

His international work includes serving as Guest Principal of the Arabian Philharmonic in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, as well as the Algarve Symphony Orchestra. A violin and cello duo tour took him across Portugal, Spain, France, and Scotland, showcasing his collaborative spirit and adaptability.