Canadian-born Simon-Philippe Allard studies violin at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama with David Adams while taking a sabbatical leave from his current position as Assistant principal second violin in Symphony Nova Scotia, Canada, where he has been since 2004. He had his first violin lesson at the age of five and later obtained degrees in Violin Performance from McGill University and Université de Montréal (Canada).
Simon-Philippe has been playing professionally for 20 years and has significant orchestral and chamber music experience. He has been Concertmaster of the Orchestre de l’Université de Montréal (Canada) and of the Orchestre de la Francophonie (Canada) as well as receiving awards for his chamber music playing. While still a student, he was appointed Assistant principal second violin with the Symphony Nova Scotia in Halifax, Canada. Prior to that, he freelanced and taught violin for ten years in the Montreal area. Classical musician at heart, he is nonetheless open to exploring different styles and during his time in Halifax was a member of a traditional Celtic band and recorded one album with them.
Following successful auditions, he was admitted to the placement schemes at the Welsh National Opera Orchestra and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. He recently founded the Iris Piano Trio with pianist Melanie Wong and cellist Benjamin Jones, fellow students at RWCMD. He also plays with Ms. Wong in a duo.
In 2016 he will be Leader of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Welsh String Soloists. With this last ensemble he performed at Buckingham Palace for HRH The Prince of Wales. He was also recently invited to play has a section player with the St. Endellion Summer Festival Orchestra.
Simon-Philippe had the opportunity to perform with many conductors and directors including Mario Bernardi, Franz-Paul Decker, Asher Fisch, Bernard Gueller, Jacques Lacombe, Jeanne Lamon, Otto-Werner Mueller, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Martyn Brabbins, and more recently to work very closely with Daniel Phillips and Henning Kraggerud as Leader and Principal Second of the Royal Welsh College String Soloists.
He attended masterclasses and had private lessons with many distinguished violinists including Bogdan Bozovic, Denise Lupien, Richard Roberts, Rainer Sonne, Gwen Thompson, Krysia Osostowic and Itzhak Rashkovsky, as well as recently receiving chamber music coachings from The Gould Piano Trio and Paul Watkins of the Emerson String Quartet.
Looking for a professional, highly trained and experienced violinist for your event or function? Simon-Philippe is available for orchestral, chamber music or solo performances.
Over his years of experience, he has mastered an extensive repertoire of orchestral, chamber and solo works. Contact him if you require more information about his repertoire.
