Rachel Maxey

Rachel Maxey is 19 years old and studies the viola with Robert Turrell. She began playing the viola at the age of 11, having started on violin when she was 5. A member of Hampshire Youth Orchestra from the age of 12, she took on the role of principal viola just two years later. She was also a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain for three years, holding a principal position in her final year. She was awarded the Premier Prize at the Mid Somerset Music Festival, 2013, with her performance of the first movement of Bartok’s Viola Concerto; subsequently she performed the full concerto with the Hampshire Youth Chamber Orchestra in Romsey Abbey. Rachel is currently studying music at Brasenose College, Oxford, where she has held a music scholarship for two years. Since starting at Oxford she has played with a number of university orchestras, including her role as principal of Oxford University Orchestra in her first year. She has enjoyed taking part in a number of exciting projects, from playing with members of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment to playing in the professional orchestra in residence, Oxford Philomusica, as part of their apprentice scheme. Rachel has an interest in a wide range of music groups, playing in the new music group Ensemble ISIS in her first year and also in several show productions, including Trinity term's production of Into the Woods. Last summer, Rachel performed recitals as part of Winchester Music festival and Romsey Arts festival as well as appearing as guest artist on the Romsey Youth Choir tour to Italy. Now in her second year, Rachel continues to enjoy the rich musical life at Oxford, taking part in a number of concerts, including a recital at the Sheldonian theatre as a result of gaining a place on the Young Artist Platform, another scheme run by Oxford Philomusica. She has been lucky enough to take part in Masterclasses by Bruno Giuranna, Tamsin Little, Christopher Hirons and Jennifer Pike. She currently studies with Robert Turrell.