Julian Metzger

Cello

Julian Metzger’s love of the cello and classical music began at the tender age of four in his native Germany. After a succession of cello teachers he continued his professional development with Dr Ioan Davies at Wells Cathedral School followed by Stefan Popov at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Thereafter he continued his studies privately with Raphael Wallfisch, whilst embarking on a varied career as a freelance orchestral cellist, soloist, chamber musician and cello teacher. As a soloist he has performed virtually the entire standard concerto repertoire as well as a large number of lesser known concertos. He freelances frequently as guest co-principal cellist with the English Symphony Orchestra and as principal cellist with the London Gala Orchestra and the Orchestra of Stowe Opera. His greatest love however, is playing chamber music with friends and colleagues such as pianists Marco Fatichenti, Paul Turner and Stephen Meakins, flautist Lisa Nelsen, violist Robert Secret, violinists Giovanni Guzzo and Charles Sewart, to mention but a few. He combines a very busy performing schedule with teaching at schools such as the Purcell School, Bedford Girls’ School, the Royal Latin School and Kimbolton School, as well as being the father of three lively and extremely entertaining young boys.

To find out more, get in touch via:

Martin Owen

Violin

Martin began playing the violin at the age of twelve, having started his musical life as a Classical Guitarist and Boy Soprano. Just four years later, he was accepted as a 1st Violinist with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. It was then on a North Wales Youth Orchestra course that he was talent spotted by Penny Stirling and awarded a full scholarship to Wells Cathedral School to study with Catherine Lord, it's here his love of chamber music began, playing in multiple chamber groups at school, culminating in concerts at the Purcell Room in London.

In 1990 he went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music where his teachers were Jean Harvey, Clarence Myerscough and Howard Davis. He then went on to play with the Gustav Mahler Jugend Orchester, coached in the 1st Violins, by the late Prof. Alfred Altenburger and performing all over Europe conducted by Claudio Abaddo, Bernard Heitink, Neeme Jarvi, James Judd and Pierre Boulez. Taking this opportunity to involve himself in as much chamber music as possible organising several concerts of numerous works including, Mendelssohn Octet, Ravel Quartet, Mozart 'Dissonance', and Shostakovich Piano Trio's.

In 1997, Martin began his freelance career with the BBCNOW and WNO having trials with both Orchestras before having a terrible car accident which very nearly ended his career in 1999.

With the support and kindness of the late Howard Davis (Alberni Quartet), Martin re-learnt to play the violin from scratch and two years later auditioned for the London Philharmonic Orchestra for a 2nd Violin post and was invited to play 1st Violin! He then spent 9 years in the 1st Violins playing under Kurt Mazur and Vladimir Jurowski to name but a few, touring Europe and beyond including recording ‘The Lord of The Rings’ trilogy with Howard Shaw, amongst many other recordings on the LPO's own record label.

Martin has also enjoyed an extensive freelance orchestral career playing with numerous professional orchestras; highlights include the BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, RTE National Symphony Orchestra, Oxford Philharmonic, English Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of the Swan, Dorset Opera, Longborough Festival Opera, Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra, “Chicago” in the West End and Welsh National Opera.

Teaching & Coaching has been a personal passion throughout Martin's professional career and since moving to Birmingham he also enjoys working at the Royal Birmingham Junior Conservatoire and King Edwards School.

To find out more, please get in touch via: violin.martinowen@gmail.com