MARIAN GIVENS  (violin) » 

Biography
Marian Givens, violin, read music at Royal Holloway, University of London, whilst studying privately with Diana Cummings. During her undergraduate years she specialised in performance and was able to take part in chamber music workshops with the Fitzwilliam and Wihan Quartets. As well as leading the university orchestras she was selected to perform Dvorak's Romance Op.11 with the University Chamber Orchestra. Following graduation Marian continued her studies with Diana at the Royal Academy of Music, gaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Performance (PGDipRAM) and the LRAM. Masterclasses include those of Igor Ozim, Sylvia Rosenberg, Ken Aiso, Siegmund Nissel, Lydia Mordkovitch. Reka Szilvay, Rudolfe Koelmann and Bogdan Zvoristeanu.

Marian enjoys a varied career, working as a freelance orchestral player, chamber musician and teacher. She has worked with conductors such as Colin Davis, Peter Stark and Johannes Gustavsson and plays regularly with The Bristol Ensemble and La Folia. Marian has also worked in Palau de les Arts, Valencia, under Lorin Maazel, Zubin Mehta, Nicolo Luisotti and George Pretre (Jan 2011- july 2011).

Amongst many other musical commitments, Marian is a member of the Blackmore Ensemble; ensemble in residence at the Dorset Rural Music School and Ensemble Champagne. Recent performances include Howells piano quartet and Mozart quartet in G minor at recitals in Dublin, Forest of Dean and Blackmore. She also gives regular solo recitals and has appeared as soloist with a number of orchestras in the Salisbury area. Performances include Vivaldi's Summer and Winter with the Orchestra of Winterbourne Opera, Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor with the Larkhill Sinfonia, Bruch's violin concerto in G minor with the Salisbury Sinfonia and Mozart's Concerto in A K219 with the Royal Holloway Chamber Orchestra.

Orchestral Work
Orchestras: Bristol Ensemble, La Folia, National Symphony Orchestra. Shows: Top Hat.

Marian's orchestral work also includes British Philharmonic Orchestra, Bristol Ensemble, La Folia (Formerly Sarum Orchestra) and Southern Pro Musica. Marian also reguarly leads orchestras, most recently the Larkhill Sinfonia and Anton Sinfonia.

Marian enjoys playing in Chamber Ensembles and is currently in a string quartet and piano trio. She performs regularly, giving concerts at chamber music clubs and recitals in the south of Engalnd. She has also played as part of a piano quartet, giving concerts around the UK and in Dublin.

Solo performances include: Chausson Poeme with the Dorset Chamber orchestra in Nov 2011, Mozart A major Violin Concerto with the Royal Holloway Philharmonic in Feb 2010, Bruch Violin Concerto in G minor with the Salisbury Sinfonia in Nov 2009, Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with the Larkhill Sinfonia in June 2009, Mozart A major Violin Concerto with the Larkhill Sinfonia in June 2008, Summer and Winter from The Four Seasons with the Orchestra of Winterbourne Opera in May 2007.

In addition Marian performs at least one solo recital each year, exploring a variety of repertoire from Bach to Ysaye.

Commercial performances Marian has played in concerts for Katherine Jenkins, as well as Belle and Sebastian (Bristol part of Uk tour, Dec 2010)

Shows Thursford Christmas Spectacular, Top Hat (UK tour).

Education
Marian's schooling took place at South Wilts Grammar School for Girls Marian's graduate studies took place at 2005 – 2007 Royal Academy of Music Postgraduate Diploma in Performance – Merit.
2000 – 2003 Royal Holloway University of London BMus Hons - 2:1

Marian joined Morgensterns in December 2010

Marian's web profile was last updated 12th May 2012