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Core Team
Meet the Team
Dr Jo Yee Cheung
Chief Executive
I am the Founder and Chief Executive of Olympias Music Foundation. My role is to help all the different parts of the charity (Programmes, Development, Finance) work together in harmony, and to collaborate with our families, partners, and supporters to shape our future. I'm a British pianist and music educator, and the first musician in my family. I studied Music at the University of Cambridge, trained as a pianist at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) and later completed a PhD in Music Education at the RNCM (with a secondment to the University of Canberra as Visiting Research Fellow), specialising in the role of parents in supporting children's musical development. In 2023, I was honoured to be named an Associate Member of the RNCM (ARNCM) and one of the ‘RNCM50 Faces’. I also serve as an External Examiner for the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a Trustee at The Bridgewater Hall. When I'm not writing funding bids or reviewing strategy documents, I enjoy travelling to unusual places and hanging out with my cat, Atticus. My favourite piece of music is the first movement of Britten’s String Quartet No. 1 in D Major (it sounds like winter sun shining through a frosty window, interrupted by a herd of wild horses!). For dancing? Nothing beats Africa by Toto.
I am the Founder and Chief Executive of Olympias Music Foundation. My role is to help all the different parts of the charity (Programmes, Development, Finance) work together in harmony, and to collaborate with our families, partners, and supporters to shape our future. I'm a British pianist and music educator, and the first musician in my family. I studied Music at the University of Cambridge, trained as a pianist at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) and later completed a PhD in Music Education at the RNCM (with a secondment to the University of Canberra as Visiting Research Fellow), specialising in the role of parents in supporting children's musical development. In 2023, I was honoured to be named an Associate Member of the RNCM (ARNCM) and one of the ‘RNCM50 Faces’. I also serve as an External Examiner for the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a Trustee at The Bridgewater Hall. When I'm not writing funding bids or reviewing strategy documents, I enjoy travelling to unusual places and hanging out with my cat, Atticus. My favourite piece of music is the first movement of Britten’s String Quartet No. 1 in D Major (it sounds like winter sun shining through a frosty window, interrupted by a herd of wild horses!). For dancing? Nothing beats Africa by Toto.
Petra van den Houten
Chief Executive (Maternity Cover)
Petra is an experienced arts & culture consultant and creative producer who has over 25 years of experience in the cultural industries. Most recently she was Director of Development, Marketing and Communications at Liverpool Biennial and prior to that Head of Major Gifts at the Royal Northern College of Music. Petra was born and raised in the Netherlands but moved to the London after her History of Art MA and has lived in Manchester, a city that she loves, for over 20 years.
Petra started her career working for PR agencies where she delivered events for Pepsi Cola, Karl Lagerfeld, The Four Freedom Awards and various others before immersing herself in the art world. She is a former Associate Director of Christie’s, Deputy Director of Sotheby’s and has worked extensively with artists, musicians, collectors and philanthropists in Europe, USA and the Middle East. She is a Board member at esea contemporary, Manchester, former Board member of Manchester Art Gallery and holds an MA in Art History from Leiden University, The Netherlands.
When she is not working or attending gigs and exhibitions, Petra spends her time walking her retired racing greyhound, trying new recipes and crafting; textiles are a big passion!
Petra is an experienced arts & culture consultant and creative producer who has over 25 years of experience in the cultural industries. Most recently she was Director of Development, Marketing and Communications at Liverpool Biennial and prior to that Head of Major Gifts at the Royal Northern College of Music. Petra was born and raised in the Netherlands but moved to the London after her History of Art MA and has lived in Manchester, a city that she loves, for over 20 years.
Petra started her career working for PR agencies where she delivered events for Pepsi Cola, Karl Lagerfeld, The Four Freedom Awards and various others before immersing herself in the art world. She is a former Associate Director of Christie’s, Deputy Director of Sotheby’s and has worked extensively with artists, musicians, collectors and philanthropists in Europe, USA and the Middle East. She is a Board member at esea contemporary, Manchester, former Board member of Manchester Art Gallery and holds an MA in Art History from Leiden University, The Netherlands.
When she is not working or attending gigs and exhibitions, Petra spends her time walking her retired racing greyhound, trying new recipes and crafting; textiles are a big passion!
Sam Parry
Programmes Manager
I am Sam, the Programmes Manager. I look after the people we interact with on a day to day basis - freelancers, families, and most importantly, the young people we teach, writing timetables and organising events, both internal and with external partners. My favourite piece of music is Rage Against the Machine's self titled album - perfection.
I am Sam, the Programmes Manager. I look after the people we interact with on a day to day basis - freelancers, families, and most importantly, the young people we teach, writing timetables and organising events, both internal and with external partners. My favourite piece of music is Rage Against the Machine's self titled album - perfection.
Anna Kerr
Development Director
I’m Anna and I am responsible for overseeing all fundraising and marketing activity to ensure a sustainable future for Olympias. A typical day for me can involve anything from looking after valued donors, funders, and working with corporate partners - to bid writing, running campaigns and appeals, or organising fundraising events! My favourite part of the role is developing creative partnerships, and the Christmas Concert is a particular highlight to see our amazing young people perform and grow in confidence.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy expressing my creativity through singing and music composition, but my greatest joy is spending time with my toddler!
I’m Anna and I am responsible for overseeing all fundraising and marketing activity to ensure a sustainable future for Olympias. A typical day for me can involve anything from looking after valued donors, funders, and working with corporate partners - to bid writing, running campaigns and appeals, or organising fundraising events! My favourite part of the role is developing creative partnerships, and the Christmas Concert is a particular highlight to see our amazing young people perform and grow in confidence.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy expressing my creativity through singing and music composition, but my greatest joy is spending time with my toddler!
Sarah Ampil
Finance Coordinator
Hello, Sarah here - I’m the Development and Finance Manager for Olympias. Between monitoring and reporting on our income and spending, and supporting with community fundraising, donor stewardship and bid writing, my week can be quite varied but I love seeing it come together every time our young musicians pick up their instruments or find their voice.
Out of the office, you can find me donning the viking horns as an operatic soprano, devising and producing for Lights On Theatre or belting out Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” while doing the dishes.
Hello, Sarah here - I’m the Development and Finance Manager for Olympias. Between monitoring and reporting on our income and spending, and supporting with community fundraising, donor stewardship and bid writing, my week can be quite varied but I love seeing it come together every time our young musicians pick up their instruments or find their voice.
Out of the office, you can find me donning the viking horns as an operatic soprano, devising and producing for Lights On Theatre or belting out Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” while doing the dishes.
Tamsin Sandford Smith
Programmes & Finance Coordinator
Hello, I'm Tamsin, and I'm the Programmes & Finance Co-ordinator for Olympias. My job involves making sure that all our teachers, students and instruments are in the right place at the right time… and that there are always enough biscuits to go around! I work with Sam to liase with our many partners and organise programmes events, and help Sarah to keep an eye on the charity finances.
When I'm not at work, I'm regularly spotted in the RNCM café (where I'm studying classical singing) or braving the Manchester weather on my bike!
Hello, I'm Tamsin, and I'm the Programmes & Finance Co-ordinator for Olympias. My job involves making sure that all our teachers, students and instruments are in the right place at the right time… and that there are always enough biscuits to go around! I work with Sam to liase with our many partners and organise programmes events, and help Sarah to keep an eye on the charity finances.
When I'm not at work, I'm regularly spotted in the RNCM café (where I'm studying classical singing) or braving the Manchester weather on my bike!
Facilitators
Georgie Lockett
SEND Facilitator/Children's Voices Director
Georgie is a freelance music practitioner and singer-songwriter based in Manchester, with a specialism in delivering music sessions for young people with additional needs. They graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2019 with a music degree and a desire to work in music education and community music.
Georgie trained with the music charity Soundabout, and now delivers group and 1-1 inclusive music sessions for SEN groups, early years and community groups. They are the co-founder of Songs, Signs & Sounds (www.songssignsandsounds.co.uk), performs in an alt-folk duo (Watson & Lockett) and has recently qualified as a sound therapist.
In their spare time you can find Georgie going for a stroll in the hills!
Georgie is a freelance music practitioner and singer-songwriter based in Manchester, with a specialism in delivering music sessions for young people with additional needs. They graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2019 with a music degree and a desire to work in music education and community music.
Georgie trained with the music charity Soundabout, and now delivers group and 1-1 inclusive music sessions for SEN groups, early years and community groups. They are the co-founder of Songs, Signs & Sounds (www.songssignsandsounds.co.uk), performs in an alt-folk duo (Watson & Lockett) and has recently qualified as a sound therapist.
In their spare time you can find Georgie going for a stroll in the hills!
Ali Mac
SEND Facilitator
Ali Mac is a percussionist, SEND music practitioner, contemporary dance accompanist and workshop leader.
Since graduating with a Jazz Studies degree from Leeds College of Music in 2009, Ali’s career highlights include signing to Virgin/EMI Records in 2014 as a co-writer and percussionist for Zimbabwean soul artist ‘Thabo’, as well as performing with numerous other bands, artists and theatre show productions, including the UK tour of Disney’s The Lion King. He is a Ludwig drums & Istanbul cymbals official ambassador.
As a music practitioner, Ali enjoys creating musical activities to help encourage the self-expression and communication of young people with learning difficulties and special educational needs. Over the past 16 years, Ali has visited dozens of SEND schools, as well as young offenders’ prisons, medium secure units, adult day centres and nursing homes, delivering interactive performances, one-to-one sessions, staff training events and workshops.
Ali brings his knowledge and experience as a performing musician into the classroom to encourage creativity and self expression in a way that is engaging, inclusive and educational.
Ali Mac is a percussionist, SEND music practitioner, contemporary dance accompanist and workshop leader.
Since graduating with a Jazz Studies degree from Leeds College of Music in 2009, Ali’s career highlights include signing to Virgin/EMI Records in 2014 as a co-writer and percussionist for Zimbabwean soul artist ‘Thabo’, as well as performing with numerous other bands, artists and theatre show productions, including the UK tour of Disney’s The Lion King. He is a Ludwig drums & Istanbul cymbals official ambassador.
As a music practitioner, Ali enjoys creating musical activities to help encourage the self-expression and communication of young people with learning difficulties and special educational needs. Over the past 16 years, Ali has visited dozens of SEND schools, as well as young offenders’ prisons, medium secure units, adult day centres and nursing homes, delivering interactive performances, one-to-one sessions, staff training events and workshops.
Ali brings his knowledge and experience as a performing musician into the classroom to encourage creativity and self expression in a way that is engaging, inclusive and educational.
Balraj Samrai
Facilitator
Musician, DJ, facilitator and project coordinator (Balraj) Samrai is one of the founding members of Manchester’s Swing Ting party and record label – profiled by the Guardian, Resident Advisor, FACT magazine and Bandcamp Daily. He's also the co-founder of SEEN Magazine created by global majority and marginalised communities which aims to celebrate unheard voices and stories. Balraj sits on Musicians Union’s North Committee and co-chairs the Climate Emergency working group.
He has been a guest on BBC Asian Network, Radio 1, 1Xtra and BBC 6 Music as well as co-hosting a radio show on NTS Live. He's released music on record labels such as Unknown to the Unknown, Don’t Be Afraid, Keysound, Niche N Bump, Night Slugs and Fat City, performing, recording and delivering workshops all over Europe as well as in Armenia, Canada, Colombia, Jamaica, India and Thailand. He has been commissioned to create musical works exploring social justice themes for Manchester Museum, Season for Change, Opera North and Manchester International Festival.
In 2023 Samrai released his debut solo project "Work & Roti" on his new imprint Sangha Industries featuring an array of talented collaborators. It had support from The WIRE, Mixmag, Crack Magazine, DJ Mag and Mixmag with plays across NTS live, Rinse FM and BBC Radio stations.
Following on from this in late 2023 he released ‘Bhangbow’ combining Bhangra, Dancehall and Dembow elements as well as producing 'End the Occupation Now' with Rizmi and 'GAZA' with Mr Scruff as part of the Mcr4Pal and Brum4Pal solidarity initiatives. The latter tracks have received support from Los Angeles to Auckland with spins on radio, in clubs, at protests and arms factory blockades.
Musician, DJ, facilitator and project coordinator (Balraj) Samrai is one of the founding members of Manchester’s Swing Ting party and record label – profiled by the Guardian, Resident Advisor, FACT magazine and Bandcamp Daily. He's also the co-founder of SEEN Magazine created by global majority and marginalised communities which aims to celebrate unheard voices and stories. Balraj sits on Musicians Union’s North Committee and co-chairs the Climate Emergency working group.
He has been a guest on BBC Asian Network, Radio 1, 1Xtra and BBC 6 Music as well as co-hosting a radio show on NTS Live. He's released music on record labels such as Unknown to the Unknown, Don’t Be Afraid, Keysound, Niche N Bump, Night Slugs and Fat City, performing, recording and delivering workshops all over Europe as well as in Armenia, Canada, Colombia, Jamaica, India and Thailand. He has been commissioned to create musical works exploring social justice themes for Manchester Museum, Season for Change, Opera North and Manchester International Festival.
In 2023 Samrai released his debut solo project "Work & Roti" on his new imprint Sangha Industries featuring an array of talented collaborators. It had support from The WIRE, Mixmag, Crack Magazine, DJ Mag and Mixmag with plays across NTS live, Rinse FM and BBC Radio stations.
Following on from this in late 2023 he released ‘Bhangbow’ combining Bhangra, Dancehall and Dembow elements as well as producing 'End the Occupation Now' with Rizmi and 'GAZA' with Mr Scruff as part of the Mcr4Pal and Brum4Pal solidarity initiatives. The latter tracks have received support from Los Angeles to Auckland with spins on radio, in clubs, at protests and arms factory blockades.
Rioghnach Connolley
Facilitator, Voices of Hope
Rioghnach grew up surrounded by a rich musical familial heritage. Now based in Manchester, she is a professional vocalist, flautist, lyricist, workshop facilitator and musical activist. She has toured internationally and extensively, performing and recording in bands The Breath, HoneyFeet, Band of Burns, and Afro Celt Sound System (ECC).
Rioghnach currently holds the title of BBC Radio's Folk Singer of the Year.
Rioghnach grew up surrounded by a rich musical familial heritage. Now based in Manchester, she is a professional vocalist, flautist, lyricist, workshop facilitator and musical activist. She has toured internationally and extensively, performing and recording in bands The Breath, HoneyFeet, Band of Burns, and Afro Celt Sound System (ECC).
Rioghnach currently holds the title of BBC Radio's Folk Singer of the Year.
Emmy Lahouel
Facilitator, Voices of Hope
Emmy is an interdisciplinary Artist and
Organiser working Nationally and
Internationally across cultural organisations, venues and
unusual spaces.
Originally training in Physical & Dance Theatre she has since gone on to work as Director, Producer, Performer and Facilitator, for various artists and organisations including;
Contact, Selina Thompson, Eclipse Theatre, Z-
arts, MIF, Ludus Dance, HOME.
From 2023 - 2024 she supported the North-West dance community as Studio Programme
Producer at Company Chameleon and now,
returns to working freelance across disciplines.
From directing performance and supporting
young creatives, to curating festivals and
immersive events, Emmy has a unique blend of
skills that supports her work across Dance,
Theatre, Live music and Creative Engagement.
Emmy is an interdisciplinary Artist and
Organiser working Nationally and
Internationally across cultural organisations, venues and
unusual spaces.
Originally training in Physical & Dance Theatre she has since gone on to work as Director, Producer, Performer and Facilitator, for various artists and organisations including;
Contact, Selina Thompson, Eclipse Theatre, Z-
arts, MIF, Ludus Dance, HOME.
From 2023 - 2024 she supported the North-West dance community as Studio Programme
Producer at Company Chameleon and now,
returns to working freelance across disciplines.
From directing performance and supporting
young creatives, to curating festivals and
immersive events, Emmy has a unique blend of
skills that supports her work across Dance,
Theatre, Live music and Creative Engagement.
Larry Goves
Facilitator, Composers Club
Larry Goves is a composer based in the UK. His music has been perfomed, broadcast and released internationally.
He founded, writes for and performs electronics with the experimental music group the house of bedlam. They have performed at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, Faster than Sound 2008, the Purcell Room, for nonclassical at Hoxton’s Macbeth and the Purcell Room, in the Aldeburgh Festival and have been broadcast on BBC Radio 3. In December 2009 they attended a residency at Scotland’s prestigious Cove Park supported by the PRS Foundation and the Arts Council followed by concerts in Glasgow and Manchester.
He has also worked on a variety of installation projects including; an installation for Aldeburgh Music’s Technology Residencies (building instruments and writing new music in collaboration with Sound Intermedia’s David Sheppard); a music for a film and installation with artist Aura Satz (for the Tatton Park Biennial 2012); and music for Dr Beau Lotto’s wall of 88 speakers with corresponding visual (for The Brain Unravelled, an installation at the Wellcome Institute in 2009).
He has been awarded a Jerwood-Aldeburgh Opera Writing Fellowship, been shortlisted for a Royal Philharmonic Society Award in composition and has been a recipient of a Paul Hamlyn Award for Composition.
Larry Goves studied at the Royal Northern College of Music with Anthony Gilbert and at Southampton University with Michael Finnissy. He is a Composition Lecturer at the Royal Northern College of Music and composition tutor for the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.
Larry Goves is a composer based in the UK. His music has been perfomed, broadcast and released internationally.
He founded, writes for and performs electronics with the experimental music group the house of bedlam. They have performed at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, Faster than Sound 2008, the Purcell Room, for nonclassical at Hoxton’s Macbeth and the Purcell Room, in the Aldeburgh Festival and have been broadcast on BBC Radio 3. In December 2009 they attended a residency at Scotland’s prestigious Cove Park supported by the PRS Foundation and the Arts Council followed by concerts in Glasgow and Manchester.
He has also worked on a variety of installation projects including; an installation for Aldeburgh Music’s Technology Residencies (building instruments and writing new music in collaboration with Sound Intermedia’s David Sheppard); a music for a film and installation with artist Aura Satz (for the Tatton Park Biennial 2012); and music for Dr Beau Lotto’s wall of 88 speakers with corresponding visual (for The Brain Unravelled, an installation at the Wellcome Institute in 2009).
He has been awarded a Jerwood-Aldeburgh Opera Writing Fellowship, been shortlisted for a Royal Philharmonic Society Award in composition and has been a recipient of a Paul Hamlyn Award for Composition.
Larry Goves studied at the Royal Northern College of Music with Anthony Gilbert and at Southampton University with Michael Finnissy. He is a Composition Lecturer at the Royal Northern College of Music and composition tutor for the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.
Richard Kankondo
Conductor, Parents' Orchestra
Richard is a Manchester-based musician and storyteller. Under the name Marco Woolf, he creates ethereal folk influenced jazz that has been described as “light, complex, rich and immediate, swarming with micro-details that multiply with each new listen.” He has released two EPs, ‘self’ and ’Francine, i’, which have earned support on platforms such as BBC 6 Music, Jazz FM, Worldwide FM and other international stations. As a performer he has become recognised for the way he weaves improvised stories and poetry into his sets to deepen a sense of narrative.
Richard is a Manchester-based musician and storyteller. Under the name Marco Woolf, he creates ethereal folk influenced jazz that has been described as “light, complex, rich and immediate, swarming with micro-details that multiply with each new listen.” He has released two EPs, ‘self’ and ’Francine, i’, which have earned support on platforms such as BBC 6 Music, Jazz FM, Worldwide FM and other international stations. As a performer he has become recognised for the way he weaves improvised stories and poetry into his sets to deepen a sense of narrative.
Niamh Burke
Conductor, Children's Orchestra
Niamh is a Manchester-based musician and facilitator specialising in classical violin and Irish fiddle. Originally from Glastonbury, she has worked with organisations such as Manchester International Festival, BIMM University, and Carrot Productions, delivering a range of creative projects, events, and workshops. As an experienced performer and teacher, Niamh teaches violin and piano to students of all ages, with a passion for making music more accessible.
Niamh is a Manchester-based musician and facilitator specialising in classical violin and Irish fiddle. Originally from Glastonbury, she has worked with organisations such as Manchester International Festival, BIMM University, and Carrot Productions, delivering a range of creative projects, events, and workshops. As an experienced performer and teacher, Niamh teaches violin and piano to students of all ages, with a passion for making music more accessible.
Aliah Brewster
Assistant Conductor, Children's Orchestra
Aliah is a musician whose work brings together the traditional and contemporary.
Her understanding of music is rooted in classical training on both the viola and violin. Growing up in an Afro-Carribean household to music loving parents, Aliah was introduced to
a carousel of sounds and genres from a young age. In recent years she has been exploring
improvisation, live looping and electro-acoustic sounds with strings and percussion.
Aliah first began teaching the violin during her time in South London where she was an
instrumental teaching assistant for Croydon Music and Arts. She now teaches the violin and
leads music workshops across Greater Manchester. Aliah also facilitates group drumming
sessions where she teaches her students both Arabic Iqa’at theory and Western Classical
theory on the daff and djembe drums. Making the arts more diverse and accessible for the
young people she works with has always been important to her.
Aliah is a musician whose work brings together the traditional and contemporary.
Her understanding of music is rooted in classical training on both the viola and violin. Growing up in an Afro-Carribean household to music loving parents, Aliah was introduced to
a carousel of sounds and genres from a young age. In recent years she has been exploring
improvisation, live looping and electro-acoustic sounds with strings and percussion.
Aliah first began teaching the violin during her time in South London where she was an
instrumental teaching assistant for Croydon Music and Arts. She now teaches the violin and
leads music workshops across Greater Manchester. Aliah also facilitates group drumming
sessions where she teaches her students both Arabic Iqa’at theory and Western Classical
theory on the daff and djembe drums. Making the arts more diverse and accessible for the
young people she works with has always been important to her.
Instrumental Specialists
Nadia Eskandari
Violin Teacher
Nadia is a Manchester-based violist, currently working as an instrumental tutor, project manager and freelancer. Having graduated from the University of Manchester with a first class degree in Music, Nadia joined the RNCM with a scholarship in September for further postgraduate study, to learn with Vicci Wardman. She has recently started working as an Ambassador for the Benedetti Foundation.
In her performing life, Nadia has played at festivals such as Manchester Jazz Festival and Manchester International Festival. Recent performances include collaborations with prestigious artists such as Brit Award and Mercury Prize winner, Arlo Parks, Snarky Puppy’s Bill Laurance and Sam Fender. A keen chamber musician, Nadia is a founding member of the Eskandari Quartet, who regularly perform new, contemporary repertoire by upcoming composers, alongside classical canonic works.
In her spare time, Nadia loves cooking, gaming and long walks!
Nadia is a Manchester-based violist, currently working as an instrumental tutor, project manager and freelancer. Having graduated from the University of Manchester with a first class degree in Music, Nadia joined the RNCM with a scholarship in September for further postgraduate study, to learn with Vicci Wardman. She has recently started working as an Ambassador for the Benedetti Foundation.
In her performing life, Nadia has played at festivals such as Manchester Jazz Festival and Manchester International Festival. Recent performances include collaborations with prestigious artists such as Brit Award and Mercury Prize winner, Arlo Parks, Snarky Puppy’s Bill Laurance and Sam Fender. A keen chamber musician, Nadia is a founding member of the Eskandari Quartet, who regularly perform new, contemporary repertoire by upcoming composers, alongside classical canonic works.
In her spare time, Nadia loves cooking, gaming and long walks!
Henry Rankin
Violin Teacher
Henry Rankin is a violinist, violist and composer. He studied both violin and viola at the Royal Northern College of Music and music at the University of Manchester. Henry has a love of both performance and composition and balances them in a varied and eclectic freelance career. He is in demand across the UK with ensembles and orchestras such as the Northern Chamber Orchestra and Constella Music, and as a session musician has performed, arranged and recorded with artists such as Michael Kiwanuka, Laura Marling, Sam Fender and Yann Tierson. As a composer Henry has registered credits on BBC One, BBC Two and the National Geographic Channel, and with co-writer Oliver Mayo, has multiple production music albums signed to EMI label ‘Sparkle and Burn’ and Soho Production Music. Henry had his first orchestral commission in July 2024 with Macclesfield Symphony Orchestra.
Henry Rankin is a violinist, violist and composer. He studied both violin and viola at the Royal Northern College of Music and music at the University of Manchester. Henry has a love of both performance and composition and balances them in a varied and eclectic freelance career. He is in demand across the UK with ensembles and orchestras such as the Northern Chamber Orchestra and Constella Music, and as a session musician has performed, arranged and recorded with artists such as Michael Kiwanuka, Laura Marling, Sam Fender and Yann Tierson. As a composer Henry has registered credits on BBC One, BBC Two and the National Geographic Channel, and with co-writer Oliver Mayo, has multiple production music albums signed to EMI label ‘Sparkle and Burn’ and Soho Production Music. Henry had his first orchestral commission in July 2024 with Macclesfield Symphony Orchestra.
Yulia Shah
Violin Teacher
Yulia started her violin studies aged 5 in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine and began piano lessons aged 7 at Zaporizhzhia music school. She went on to win many national and international junior violin competitions in Ukraine and developed her skills by leading string ensembles, joining choirs and studying music theory. She continued the violin and piano at Zaporizhzhia Music College and expanded her studies to psychology, teaching pedagogies and conducting. She accepted a scholarship to further her violin studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester in 2014.
Yulia has since performed internationally both as a soloist and with ensembles at prestigious venues across the Indian subcontinent for various clients and organisations. She returned to the UK in 2020 performing at mid to high end events nationwide and teaching privately. She currently teaches violin at the Olympias Music Foundation in Manchester.
Yulia started her violin studies aged 5 in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine and began piano lessons aged 7 at Zaporizhzhia music school. She went on to win many national and international junior violin competitions in Ukraine and developed her skills by leading string ensembles, joining choirs and studying music theory. She continued the violin and piano at Zaporizhzhia Music College and expanded her studies to psychology, teaching pedagogies and conducting. She accepted a scholarship to further her violin studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester in 2014.
Yulia has since performed internationally both as a soloist and with ensembles at prestigious venues across the Indian subcontinent for various clients and organisations. She returned to the UK in 2020 performing at mid to high end events nationwide and teaching privately. She currently teaches violin at the Olympias Music Foundation in Manchester.
Parisa Pirzadeh
Violin Teacher
Parisa Pirzadeh has first-hand experience of performing on Violin and Viola from her numerous previous positions and achievements. She started playing the violin at the age of 10 when she was sent to Tehran Music School to study music. Prior to graduation, she started professional career as a violist in Tehran symphony orchestra for four continuous years.
Shortly after graduation, she has started a collaboration with POURIAMEHR music studio in Tehran as a private violin tutor for another 6 years. During this period she performed various both solo and group performances, attending many overseas orchestra including Czech television sound stage as the most recent one. She won the plaque of honor for her album ‘Vocalise’ from Fajr international music festival in Tehran.
After immigration to the UK she began to seek an exciting opportunity and has performed in various UK Orchestras as a Viola player, including Queen Charlotte Orchestra made up of entirely women of color to celebrate the release of queen charlotte: a Bridgerton story on Netflix.
Playing one of the most ancient string instruments (Ghaychak) has been another notable achievement that she has been working through, in which the music combines with beautiful Sufi music and whirling dervish dance and poetry.
Parisa Pirzadeh has first-hand experience of performing on Violin and Viola from her numerous previous positions and achievements. She started playing the violin at the age of 10 when she was sent to Tehran Music School to study music. Prior to graduation, she started professional career as a violist in Tehran symphony orchestra for four continuous years.
Shortly after graduation, she has started a collaboration with POURIAMEHR music studio in Tehran as a private violin tutor for another 6 years. During this period she performed various both solo and group performances, attending many overseas orchestra including Czech television sound stage as the most recent one. She won the plaque of honor for her album ‘Vocalise’ from Fajr international music festival in Tehran.
After immigration to the UK she began to seek an exciting opportunity and has performed in various UK Orchestras as a Viola player, including Queen Charlotte Orchestra made up of entirely women of color to celebrate the release of queen charlotte: a Bridgerton story on Netflix.
Playing one of the most ancient string instruments (Ghaychak) has been another notable achievement that she has been working through, in which the music combines with beautiful Sufi music and whirling dervish dance and poetry.
Polly Virr
Cello Teacher
Polly is a professional freelance cellist based in the UK, where she performs as an improviser, chamber musician, soloist and session musician, alongside working as an educator, mentor and composer. She is a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, where she studied cello with Emma Ferrand.
In 2016, Polly travelled to The Banff Centre, Canada, where she worked as a musician in residence, collaborating with other musicians from around the world and writing her own music for multitrack cello. She now writes and performs her own compositions using a loop pedal and other effects pedals. Performances include Lancaster Jazz Festival, Manchester International Festival, Aldeburgh Festival, Matt & Phreds and Band on the Wall. Polly also writes and records music for film/TV, working as a composer for Exodus Music.
Polly's passion lies in improvising and experimenting with music in an abundance of different styles and genres. She plays the role of “lead cello” in an indie/rock band called Ideal Forgery; in a folk cello trio called Rowan; and in a classical guitar/cello duo called Ithoni Duo. Polly is an active session musician, recording as a soloist and as part of different ensembles. She plays with orchestras including the Kaleidoscope Orchestra, Street Orchestra Live, the Untold Orchestra, Gatecrasher Orchestra and Joe Duddell’s No.6 Ensemble.
Polly also works as a Music for Health Practitioner, taking live music onto the wards of Manchester Children’s hospital, making music with patients, staff and families. As an educator, Polly has worked as a music tutor on both Opera North and Liverpool Philharmonic’s In Harmony programmes. She frequently delivers educational workshops exploring creative composition and ensemble playing with organisations including Opera North, Music in Secondary Schools Trust, Amasing Arts and various music services in the North West. This year, Polly is proud to be a mentor for Sheffield’s Hubfest Momentum.
Find out more about Polly here:
Website: www.pollyvirrcello.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cellovirr/
Polly is a professional freelance cellist based in the UK, where she performs as an improviser, chamber musician, soloist and session musician, alongside working as an educator, mentor and composer. She is a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, where she studied cello with Emma Ferrand.
In 2016, Polly travelled to The Banff Centre, Canada, where she worked as a musician in residence, collaborating with other musicians from around the world and writing her own music for multitrack cello. She now writes and performs her own compositions using a loop pedal and other effects pedals. Performances include Lancaster Jazz Festival, Manchester International Festival, Aldeburgh Festival, Matt & Phreds and Band on the Wall. Polly also writes and records music for film/TV, working as a composer for Exodus Music.
Polly's passion lies in improvising and experimenting with music in an abundance of different styles and genres. She plays the role of “lead cello” in an indie/rock band called Ideal Forgery; in a folk cello trio called Rowan; and in a classical guitar/cello duo called Ithoni Duo. Polly is an active session musician, recording as a soloist and as part of different ensembles. She plays with orchestras including the Kaleidoscope Orchestra, Street Orchestra Live, the Untold Orchestra, Gatecrasher Orchestra and Joe Duddell’s No.6 Ensemble.
Polly also works as a Music for Health Practitioner, taking live music onto the wards of Manchester Children’s hospital, making music with patients, staff and families. As an educator, Polly has worked as a music tutor on both Opera North and Liverpool Philharmonic’s In Harmony programmes. She frequently delivers educational workshops exploring creative composition and ensemble playing with organisations including Opera North, Music in Secondary Schools Trust, Amasing Arts and various music services in the North West. This year, Polly is proud to be a mentor for Sheffield’s Hubfest Momentum.
Find out more about Polly here:
Website: www.pollyvirrcello.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cellovirr/
Dan Springate
Cello Teacher
Dan is a professional musician based in Manchester. He plays the cello and bass guitar, arranges/composes string parts for an array of different music and works in a variety of educational settings. Originally from Wiltshire, he studied Music at Manchester University before embarking on a post-graduate performance degree at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, where he learnt with Joely Koos.
He loves to play lots of different types of music and regardless of the genre, particularly enjoys the collaborative experiences that making music so often brings. He has particularly enjoyed performing in West End shows (Disney's Beauty and the Beast), recording in world renowned studios (Abbey Road, Real World) and performing at festivals such as WOMAD, Cheltenham Jazz, Edinburgh Fringe and Manchester International Festival.
As well as playing, Dan loves teaching the cello and helping others to experience the joy of this wonderful instrument. He started at Olympias in September 23 and is very excited to be part of the community.
Beyond music, Dan likes running, being in nature, drinking coffee and watching the cricket!
Dan is a professional musician based in Manchester. He plays the cello and bass guitar, arranges/composes string parts for an array of different music and works in a variety of educational settings. Originally from Wiltshire, he studied Music at Manchester University before embarking on a post-graduate performance degree at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, where he learnt with Joely Koos.
He loves to play lots of different types of music and regardless of the genre, particularly enjoys the collaborative experiences that making music so often brings. He has particularly enjoyed performing in West End shows (Disney's Beauty and the Beast), recording in world renowned studios (Abbey Road, Real World) and performing at festivals such as WOMAD, Cheltenham Jazz, Edinburgh Fringe and Manchester International Festival.
As well as playing, Dan loves teaching the cello and helping others to experience the joy of this wonderful instrument. He started at Olympias in September 23 and is very excited to be part of the community.
Beyond music, Dan likes running, being in nature, drinking coffee and watching the cricket!
Poppy Philligreen
Woodwind Teacher
Poppy Philligreen is a saxophonist based in Manchester. Originally from Derbyshire she acquired her BMus (Hons) from the Royal Northern College of Music in 2018. She teaches woodwind both privately and in schools across Manchester. As a performer Poppy specialises in the realising of new music, being particularly interested in the use of extended techniques and the breadth of texture and timbre they enable. Alongside her performance practice Poppy is involved in the running of Special Virtuosi, a weekly music group for children and adults with additional needs. She has also worked in a production capacity for opera companies such as The Opera Shack and Manchester Contemporary Youth Opera.
Poppy is very excited to start working with OMF as their woodwind teacher. Growing up her music lessons and ensembles were always filled with excitement and discovery, and she is thrilled to be working with a charity that seeks to provide those same opportunities to children across Manchester. When not making strange noises on her saxophone, Poppy can be found knitting socks and pottering round her garden.
Poppy Philligreen is a saxophonist based in Manchester. Originally from Derbyshire she acquired her BMus (Hons) from the Royal Northern College of Music in 2018. She teaches woodwind both privately and in schools across Manchester. As a performer Poppy specialises in the realising of new music, being particularly interested in the use of extended techniques and the breadth of texture and timbre they enable. Alongside her performance practice Poppy is involved in the running of Special Virtuosi, a weekly music group for children and adults with additional needs. She has also worked in a production capacity for opera companies such as The Opera Shack and Manchester Contemporary Youth Opera.
Poppy is very excited to start working with OMF as their woodwind teacher. Growing up her music lessons and ensembles were always filled with excitement and discovery, and she is thrilled to be working with a charity that seeks to provide those same opportunities to children across Manchester. When not making strange noises on her saxophone, Poppy can be found knitting socks and pottering round her garden.
Jamie Stockbridge
Woodwind Teacher
Jamie is a professional Saxophonist, Composer and Band-leader based in Manchester. After a musical upbringing in Hertfordshire he went on to receive a BMus from Newcastle University, having studied in the Netherlands at Utrechts Conservatorium. He then attained an MMus from the Royal Northern College
of Music in Manchester.
Jamie regularly performs with, writes for, and tours with his own groups and first became involved with OMF during the COVID lockdowns, collaborating on the app ‘AgbekoCreate’. He runs 11-piece afrofunk outfit Agbeko, is 33.33% of jazz-chaos trio Taupe, one seventh of 1920’s jazz ensemble The Easy Rollers and various proportions of many other projects. His performing career has taken him from basements in Prague and warehouses in Milan to the Royal Albert Hall and the Southbank Centre in London.
When not blowing down various tubes for a living, Jamie can occasionally be seen in the wild with an electric guitar. His music has been played on BBC Radio 3 (Freeness, Late Junction), BBC Radio 6 (Freak Zone) and Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide FM, amongst others.
Jamie’s spare time is largely dictated to him by the whims of his rescue cat Freyja, although he is also slowly trying to increase the range of his bike rides.
Jamie is a professional Saxophonist, Composer and Band-leader based in Manchester. After a musical upbringing in Hertfordshire he went on to receive a BMus from Newcastle University, having studied in the Netherlands at Utrechts Conservatorium. He then attained an MMus from the Royal Northern College
of Music in Manchester.
Jamie regularly performs with, writes for, and tours with his own groups and first became involved with OMF during the COVID lockdowns, collaborating on the app ‘AgbekoCreate’. He runs 11-piece afrofunk outfit Agbeko, is 33.33% of jazz-chaos trio Taupe, one seventh of 1920’s jazz ensemble The Easy Rollers and various proportions of many other projects. His performing career has taken him from basements in Prague and warehouses in Milan to the Royal Albert Hall and the Southbank Centre in London.
When not blowing down various tubes for a living, Jamie can occasionally be seen in the wild with an electric guitar. His music has been played on BBC Radio 3 (Freeness, Late Junction), BBC Radio 6 (Freak Zone) and Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide FM, amongst others.
Jamie’s spare time is largely dictated to him by the whims of his rescue cat Freyja, although he is also slowly trying to increase the range of his bike rides.
Cameron Chin-See
Brass Teacher
Cameron Chin-See is a trumpet player and teacher from Wolverhampton, currently studying for an MMus at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), in Manchester. After turning down a place at the University of Oxford in 2019, Cameron opted to go to Manchester to take up a place on the highly selective ‘three-year intensive’ Bachelor of Music course at the RNCM, which he completed in July 2022 after studying with Murray Greig and Thomas Osborne. Cameron decided to stay on at the RNCM to undertake postgraduate studies alongside an ever-expanding freelance career - he has been in demand as an orchestral trumpeter, playing with most of the main orchestras in the North West, including regular appearances with the Hallé Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic the Orchestra of Opera North, the BBC Philharmonic. He is also a regular player with Chineke! Orchestra in London, Europe’s first majority-Black and ethnically diverse orchestra. Aside from the orchestra, Cameron is a keen teacher and has been teaching students of all ages and abilities in Manchester for over two years. He also values chamber music and is a member of the celebrated Phoenix Brass Quintet (Semi-finalists at the 2023 Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition), along with fellow students and graduates of the RNCM.
Cameron Chin-See is a trumpet player and teacher from Wolverhampton, currently studying for an MMus at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), in Manchester. After turning down a place at the University of Oxford in 2019, Cameron opted to go to Manchester to take up a place on the highly selective ‘three-year intensive’ Bachelor of Music course at the RNCM, which he completed in July 2022 after studying with Murray Greig and Thomas Osborne. Cameron decided to stay on at the RNCM to undertake postgraduate studies alongside an ever-expanding freelance career - he has been in demand as an orchestral trumpeter, playing with most of the main orchestras in the North West, including regular appearances with the Hallé Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic the Orchestra of Opera North, the BBC Philharmonic. He is also a regular player with Chineke! Orchestra in London, Europe’s first majority-Black and ethnically diverse orchestra. Aside from the orchestra, Cameron is a keen teacher and has been teaching students of all ages and abilities in Manchester for over two years. He also values chamber music and is a member of the celebrated Phoenix Brass Quintet (Semi-finalists at the 2023 Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition), along with fellow students and graduates of the RNCM.
Ryan Buxton
Guitar Teacher
My Dad is a guitarist and when I was a kid I was around guitars quite a lot. I have always been pretty fascinated with how strings work and the way chords and melodies can be made on a guitar. When I was younger I played guitar just for fun really and enjoyed playing songs by my favourite songwriters. Then I got serious about it after leaving school and started really focusing on my ability and my knowledge so I put myself through some grades for music theory and guitar playing. Then when I was about 24 I ran a jam night with some friends and that taught me a huge amount about improvising and playing live. We played a lot of funk and soul and a few jazz songs. While I was doing this I also played in an acoustic duo and we played weddings and corporate events. Together we learnt hundreds of songs and played even more shows. I have also just finished my Masters in composing at Salford University and am really excited to see how that changes my music in the future. I love music, I love guitars and I love sharing that with my students and helping people find the joy of music.
My Dad is a guitarist and when I was a kid I was around guitars quite a lot. I have always been pretty fascinated with how strings work and the way chords and melodies can be made on a guitar. When I was younger I played guitar just for fun really and enjoyed playing songs by my favourite songwriters. Then I got serious about it after leaving school and started really focusing on my ability and my knowledge so I put myself through some grades for music theory and guitar playing. Then when I was about 24 I ran a jam night with some friends and that taught me a huge amount about improvising and playing live. We played a lot of funk and soul and a few jazz songs. While I was doing this I also played in an acoustic duo and we played weddings and corporate events. Together we learnt hundreds of songs and played even more shows. I have also just finished my Masters in composing at Salford University and am really excited to see how that changes my music in the future. I love music, I love guitars and I love sharing that with my students and helping people find the joy of music.
Juanjo Blázquez
Accompanist
Born in Lorca (Spain) in 1998, he began his piano studies at the “Narciso Yepes” Professional Conservatory of Lorca in 2006. He received his first lessons from professor Estrella Romero Jiménez and later from Antonio Agustín González Hidalgo and Helena Ayala Gea. He has performed concerts in Spain and UK, and the ALTI Hall in Kyoto. Juanjo recently performed as a soloist Tchaikovsky’s 1st Piano Concerto at Madrid’s National Auditorium with the María Rodrigo Symphony Orchestra
He has received masterclasses from teachers such as Lilya Zilberstein, Anna Malikova, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, Stephen Hugh, Claudio Martínez-Mehner, Ashley Wass and Nino Kereselidze among others.
Juanjo has won prizes in national and international competitions such as the “Ciudad de Albacete”, the “Entre Cuerdas y Metales”, the “Almudena Cano" and “ClaMo” International competition. He is also recipient of the "FW Wright Piano Scholarship" endowed by the RNCM , and he was chosen to represent Spain in the "Kyoto International music students festival" in 2019, receiving outstanding reviews.
He completed his piano studies at the Real Conservatorio Superior de Música de Madrid in 2020, under the guidance of Ana Guijarro, having previously studied with Pilar Bilbao Iturburu. He continued his Master's studies at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester with Graham Scott and Kathryn Stott.
Born in Lorca (Spain) in 1998, he began his piano studies at the “Narciso Yepes” Professional Conservatory of Lorca in 2006. He received his first lessons from professor Estrella Romero Jiménez and later from Antonio Agustín González Hidalgo and Helena Ayala Gea. He has performed concerts in Spain and UK, and the ALTI Hall in Kyoto. Juanjo recently performed as a soloist Tchaikovsky’s 1st Piano Concerto at Madrid’s National Auditorium with the María Rodrigo Symphony Orchestra
He has received masterclasses from teachers such as Lilya Zilberstein, Anna Malikova, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, Stephen Hugh, Claudio Martínez-Mehner, Ashley Wass and Nino Kereselidze among others.
Juanjo has won prizes in national and international competitions such as the “Ciudad de Albacete”, the “Entre Cuerdas y Metales”, the “Almudena Cano" and “ClaMo” International competition. He is also recipient of the "FW Wright Piano Scholarship" endowed by the RNCM , and he was chosen to represent Spain in the "Kyoto International music students festival" in 2019, receiving outstanding reviews.
He completed his piano studies at the Real Conservatorio Superior de Música de Madrid in 2020, under the guidance of Ana Guijarro, having previously studied with Pilar Bilbao Iturburu. He continued his Master's studies at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester with Graham Scott and Kathryn Stott.
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