David Watkins
While still at school, he was a member of the National Youth Orchestra and a finalist in a Daily Mirror Competition for young instrumentalists. After studying at the Royal Academy of Music, a French Government Scholarship enabled him to continue his studies in Paris. Returning to London, Solti chose him to play with the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. It was a 'Golden Age' which included performances by Callas, Sutherland, Schwarzkopf, Fonteyn and Nureyev. He then became a founder member of the new Welsh National Opera Company under the direction of James Lockhart and, after a short time with the Royal Philharmonic, joined the London Philharmonic under the batons of Boult, Solti, Haitink and Tennstedt.

His solo concerts have taken him all over the world, performing many of the compositions that have been written especially for him. He has also performed as soloist with the London Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra, etc. and appeared as soloist with the London Sinfonietta at the London 'Proms' with Sir Simon Rattle conducting.

Since winning first prize in an International American Competition with his composition 'Petite Suite' for Harp, he has written many pieces including the 'Concertino Pastorale', which he played with the London Philharmonic at the Royal Festival Hall, Walter Susskind conducting.

With Princess Grace of Monaco, he devised a recital of poetry and music for the official engagement of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.

In 2000 he was Principal Harpist at a 'Prom' Concert given by the "World Orchestra for Peace" conducted by Gergiev. This orchestra was composed of principal musicians from the world's great orchestras.

Recent concerts have included a performance of his solo harp concerto and his new concerto for two harps with the Budapest Strings, and a solo recital attended by the widow of Zoltan Kodály.

He regularly gives concerts and master classes in France, Germany and Italy as well as the UK and has recently formed a Duo with the distinguished violinist Michael Bochmann.

His recording of Ravel's Introduction & Allegro with the National Philharmonic became a bestseller in the USA, and other highly acclaimed recordings have been issued by RCA, Meridian and Pyramid.

For many years he was Professor of Harp at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and has written a 'Method' for the harp published by Boosey and Hawkes.

Short Biography & Publicity Photo PDF File (2.9Mb)

To download a file to your computer

Windows:
Right click the text link and select "Save target as .."

Mac:
Hold down option and click on the text link

To open file on line click the link and the file will open in a new window - but you need to have Adobe Reader Installed.