Adjudicators

It was after hearing a phenomenal display of left-hand pizzicato during a recital in Hong Kong by Ruggiero Ricci that Brigid Kirkland-Wilson longed to learn the violin. She was five years old.

Later on, a Countess of Munster award enabled her to study, whilst still at school, with Eli Goren at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Subsequent teachers have included Maria Lidka at the Royal College of Music where she gained an honours in the ARCM examination, and Max Rostal at Berne Conservatoire. A Caird travelling scholarship opened up the joys of chamber music ensemble work through the directorship of Rudolph Baumgartner. She gained a B.Ed degree and a M.Mus from London University.

Living in London she taught at St. Pauls School, Queens College Harley Street, and the Junior Department of the Royal College of Music. She freelanced with various ensembles, playing mostly with London Camerata, led by Maurice Clare.

She has coached on Pro Corda courses, and heads Magdalen Farm Strings (www.magdalenfarmstrings.org) a project based on an organic farm in Dorset which allows children to discover the rich traditions of English music surrounded by the inspiration of the idyllic English countryside.

She is an examiner for the ABRSM, having worked both in this country and in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau. She is on the mentor panel for the CTABRSM courses, and has adjudicated at festivals in England and Wales. At present she lives in Gloucestershire, playing  both baroque and standard violin in various West Country groups, leading opera ensembles and performing chamber music at every opportunity.

She teaches at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Wells Cathedral School (violin and viola) and continues at the Royal College of Music (violin, violin group and chamber music). She also writes reviews for ESTA magazine.

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