ASHLEY MYALL - BASSOON

Born in Surrey, Ashley began learning the bassoon aged 10, and soon began studies at the Royal College of Music Junior Department.  He recently graduated from the Royal Academy of Music and was awarded a masters degree in 2011.  Prior to this he completed a B.Mus. at the University of Leeds, graduating in 2009. 

In 2007 Ashley was awarded a place at the Hochschule für Musik Köln where he studied with Georg Klütsch. During his studies he was actively involved in many of the projects taking place inside and around these institutions.  Highlights include working with Sir Simon Rattle for a performance of Bruckner’s ‘Ninth Symphony mov1.’ in March 2011 and taking part in the LSO scheme, as principal bassoon, looking at Stravinsky's ‘Petrushka’ in February 2010, working with Joost Bosdijk and Gareth Davies.

Ashley is bassoonist in both the Atea Wind Quintet and the Ellipsis Wind Quintet, with whom he won the Nicholas Blake Wind Ensemble Prize, Royal Academy of Music, the June Emerson Wind Music 2010 Launchpad Prize and reached the semi finals of the Royal Overseas League in 2010.

Ashley also performs with the up and coming London Contemporary Orchestra, Azalea Ensemble and Size Zero Opera Company, who specialise in performances of contemporary music for chamber ensemble.  He recently performed the premier of Blair Foley’s - ‘We’re All Mad Here’, at the Tête à Tête opera festival in Hammersmith with Size Zero, and is taking part in upcoming performances of several new works and other contemporary works at Kings Place and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama with Azalea.

Ashley has also performed as a soloist at the Leeds Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall, The David Josefowitz Recital Hall - RAM, Ripon Cathedral and in the Leeds General Infirmary Chapel. He is orchestral manager of the University of London Symphony Orchestra and regularly performs with them in concerts in central London.