

Toby Turton
Violoncello
27 Nov 1993 | Edward Elgar | Violoncello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85 | |
21 May 2005 | Robert Schumann | Violoncello Concerto in A minor | |
19 May 2001 | Piotr Tchaikovsky | Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33 |
Toby Turton is known as an outstanding ’cellist of characteristic sensitivity and beauty of tone. He has performed in many of Britain’s most prestigious concert venues, including The Wigmore Hall, and has undertaken several recital tours in the United Kingdom. Toby studied formerly with Harold Strub and Christopher Lebon and then with Sharon McKinley at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. There he won all the major prizes, including the String Prize and The Simon Clarkson Award “For Best All-Round Musician”. Toby was appointed principal ’cellist in the College’s Symphony, Chamber and Opera Orchestras as well as representing the college within the chamber group “Afallon”, having given critically acclaimed performances of Messian’s Quartet for The End of Time. Upon graduation Toby achieved the College’s highest string distinction in over a decade. Since graduating in 1994 Toby has led an increasingly busy and varied musical life. He has given over one hundred ’cello and piano recitals for music clubs, festivals and universities, including the City of London Festival, The Schubert Society of Great Britain and Benslow Music Trust, plus concert tours in England, Scotland and Wales. His recording of Beethoven Violoncello Sonatas for LITmus, released in 2000, received many accolades, most notably from the international pianist, John Lill, who described it as “an impressive achievement”. Toby has worked with several chamber ensembles, performing many recitals including three string quartet tours of North East Scotland, and he is currently ’cellist in The Fairman String Quartet with whom he has recently made a recording and video for Classic FM’s digital TV channel. Toby has performed most of the romantic concertos, including a live radio broadcast of Elgar’s ’Cello Concerto and has worked with artists as diverse as Russell Keable, Aled Jones and The King’s Singers. As a freelance orchestral player Toby has worked for many of Britain’s major orchestras, including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Welsh National Opera and English Sinfonia, and has performed at many of the UK’s most prestigious events, including The Proms where he has appeared as guest principal with a number of orchestras. Toby plays on an “Old English” violoncello, dating from approximately 1815, purchased with the kind support of “The Loan Fund for Musical Instruments”. (May 2005)