Charlie Newman - Violin 1
Charlie started to play the violin aged 6 because she wanted to be like her older sister. Soon, however, it became clear that this would be more than just a hobby and after many years of practice (of which her parents enjoyed every minute...?) she secured a place at Trinity College of Music, where she studied the violin with Andrew Sherwood and John Crawford.
Charlie enjoys a widely varied freelance career and has been particularly drawn towards theatre and storytelling. She has performed at the National Theatre and works regularly with the Company of Players and Tellers with whom she improvises as part of storytelling performances and workshops. Charlie has played in shows in the West End and the new theatre ‘the Curve’ in Leicester, as well as playing with English Touring Opera on their spring tours for the past four years. Charlie has recorded with up and coming artists Kate Maberly, Betty Steeles and Mazies Wake, the latter two of which she has written the violin parts.
Charlie has placed immense importance on chamber music in her violin career. This path has led her to win and reach the finals in chamber music competitions. She has played with numerous string quartets and trios and is a founder member of Doppio Duo and the Drax String Trio. Charlie has guest led the Bergonzi, Oreos and Hallion quartets and was delighted to accept the position of leader in Symposia String quartet in 2009.
As well as a natural inclination towards performing, Charlie is also committed to passing on her musical skills and enjoyment to young people. She tutors the Haringey Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra and string ensembles and coaches on the prestigious course European Youth Summer Music.
Amongst everything else, Charlie has somehow found time to train to be a teacher of the Alexander Technique. She specialises in teaching this technique to musicians and is currently the Alexander teacher at Trinity College of Music Junior Department and at Tonbridge School.