Our biographies

Dirk - Violin 1

Originating from Belgium Dirk studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp and joined the Antwerp Philharmonic Orchestra (National Orchestra of Flanders). He was also leader of the Antwerp Chamber Orchestra for many years and in 1985 he moved to Cardiff, South Wales, to join the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

In 1996 he moved to Aberdeenshire to take up a teaching post. He now performs regularly with local ensembles: he leads the University Symphony Orchestra, the Deveron Festival Orchestra, the Grampian Sinfonia and co-leads the Aberdeen Sinfonietta.

Dirk's playing experience includes:

• Deveron Festival Orchestra
• Grampian Sinfonia
• The Aberdeen Sinfonietta
• Aberdeen University Symphony Orchestra
• BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
• Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
• BBC National Orchestra of Wales
• Antwerp Chamber Orchestra
• Antwerp Philharmonic Orchestra

Shelagh - Violin 2

Shelagh, is a graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music. She returned to her native Aberdeen to take up a teaching post with Aberdeen City Council. At present she is employed by St Margaret's School for Girls as their Head of Strings.

Shelagh freelances with many local orchestras including Aberdeen's own Sinfonietta, a professional group who perform regularly in Aberdeen's Music Hall. She also performs with Apollo's Banquet, an early music group, where she plays baroque violin and recorder. She is an active member of the European String Teachers Association.

Shelagh plays in:

• Apollo's Banquet
• The Aberdeen Sinfonietta
• Aberdeen University Symphony Orchestra

Julian - Viola

Julian Marx played professionally in the 1970's with the Delos String Quartet and with orchestras and chamber ensembles in London and Birmingham. He is a founder member/and solo viola of Dee String Quartet, the Aberdeen Chamber Players and the Aberdeen Sinfonietta, which have played to great critical acclaim.

He also leads the violas in the Aberdeen University Symphony Orchestra and other local orchestras and ensembles,and has often appeared as soloist in Aberdeen and the North East.

Julian's playing experience includes:

• The Aberdeen Sinfonietta
• Aberdeen University Symphony Orchestra
• The Mignon String Quartet
• The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
• English National Opera Orchestra
• The Contemporary Baroque Ensemble
• Orchestra de Camera
• Delos String Quartet

Hilary - Cello

Hilary Cromar (Cello) - Hilary studied cello and piano at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and went on to play in Orchestras in Germany and Austria.

She now freelances with local orchestras and ensembles, and teaches cello in Aberdeen City Council Schools.

Hilary has played in:

• The Aberdeen Sinfonietta
• Die Süd-Bayerische Philharmonie
• The orchestra of Stadttheater St. Poelten