Richard Sanderson

EDUCATION: Richard started playing violin at the age of 9 while living in Essex. A couple of years later his family moved to Cornwall and he continued his violin tuition at school with the county music service, having lessons during school time and playing in the county ensembles. After leaving school Richard went to Truro college and continued with lessons with the Cornwall music service. During his time at college he started to develop an interest in jazz and folk styles and working outside the traditional domain of classical music. Following his time at college he moved north to Salford University where he completed a degree in Popular Music and Recording, focussing on performance. He graduated in 2001 with a 2:1. It was during his time on this course that Richard really developed his playing as a contemporary violinist with a focus on Irish folk and jazz. LIVE WORK: Richard has been playing live and gigging for almost 25 years and below are some of the achievements that he feels most proud of: “Sacred Turf” - his first band in Cornwall that played all original material jointly written by Richard. They released 2 albums and 1 EP that was produced by the bassist from Big Country. The band headlined the outdoor festival at Plymouth Hoe in 1999 to celebrate the arrival of the new millennium. “Green Hot Clover” - Richard formed this Irish cover band while he was at Salford University. In ten years they have played all around the UK, in many different bars and functions. The band has worked alongside Coventry dance company “Celtic Feet” performing at theatres in England, France and Romania. They have also played a number of corporate functions for organisations like Co-Operation Ireland, performed at Old Trafford cricket club in 2008 for ex-England cricketer Mal Loyes’ benefit year and in 2010 supported the lead singer of the Levellers Mark Chadwick on his solo tour. “Tenor Martin Toal” - Richard has worked with Martin for a number of years playing corporate events and featuring on his debut album Aria Celtica. During his time with Martin he did a lot of work for the rugby charity Wooden Spoon and played a number of benefit events for ex-England winger Jason Robinson. “Lord of the Dance” - after meeting Michael Flatley he was invited to audition for the show. Richard was successful and spent 6 months touring the UK and France on the shows’ tenth anniversary tour. In November 2013 he was invited to audition with the Levellers at the Manchester Academy. The band were looking for 3 musicians to join them on stage for their final number of the night called “The Recruiting Sergeant”. He was successful and performed at the Manchester Academy in front of 2000 Levellers fans. Richard is also a very accomplished solo performer for weddings and corporate events. Playing a high energy set of popular classics and Irish tracks. These are all performed to backing tracks while waking/dancing/running/jumping around the room! He regularly performs along side club DJs at venues in the North West to enhance any club night. Please get in touch to find out more about what Richard can offer your event.