SIMON JONES

 

After graduating from Bristol University, Simon Jones spent a year at Oxford University where he joined the newly-formed European Baroque Orchestra, becoming its first ever leader. Subsequently he developed a successful career as a freelance violinist, touring and recording with most of the main Period Instrument groups and holding principal posts with The Academy of Ancient Music, The Brandenburg Consort and The King's Consort. In 1997 he was appointed leader of The King's Consort, a post he held until 2004.

In recent years Simon has been developing his solo career, having recently performed recitals in Austria, Germany and Spain as well as Vivaldi's Four Seasons at several UK venues including the Wigmore Hall. Since 1990 he has directed his own ensemble, Réjouissance, specialising in music of the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, in performances in the UK and Europe. Further tours are planned as well as a recording of the music of Nicola Matteis. Réjouissance is ensemble in residence at both York University (were Simon was awarded his PhD in 2003) and at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama where, in September 2004, Simon took up the post of Head of Historical Performance.