Gillianne Haddow

Co-Principal Viola

Member since 1999

‘As a post-graduate student at the Royal Academy in 1995, I was selected for the LSO String Experience scheme. From that moment on, I knew that if I were to be in an orchestra, it would have to be the LSO. I was so startled by the incredible standard of the players, their dedication to the music and the variety of work which the Orchestra undertakes.’

Gillianne Haddow joined the LSO just in time to record on her first day: the soundtrack to The Phantom Menace. For several years she combined her position within the Orchestra with that of Principal Viola in the acclaimed Scottish Ensemble, often performing Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante with violinist Clio Gould. While in Scotland, Gillianne attracted solo commissions from composers such as Edward Maguire and Sally Beamish, performed with the Hebrides Ensemble and appeared as Guest Principal Viola with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

Gillianne has appeared as Guest Principal Viola with the Philharmonia, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, London Mozart Players and, in 2012, was invited to perform the role of Sancho Panza from Strauss’ Don Quixote with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra on their UK tour. Gillianne plays on an 1812 Italian Rivolta viola, lent to her by the LSO.