Gina van Hoorn Alkema - Cello
Gina began the cello at the age of eight, and after finishing school, went on to Trinity College of Music, studying with Naomi Butterworth and Joely Koos for her BMus (Hons) and PG Dip. Whilst studying for her degree she led the Symphony Orchestra and The Association of London Colleges of Music Orchestra. She discovered a love for chamber music while at college and won a number of competitions including highly commended in the Leonard Smith Duo, finalist in the Cavatina Chamber Music Prize and first prize in the John Ireland Chamber Music Prize.
Gina is busy with a widely varied freelance career, including playing as far afield as Peru and Ecuador for children in a special needs centre. Since 2004 she has been the resident cellist for the London Shakespeare Workout and the Company of Players and Tellers. She also leads the cellos for various orchestras such as Connecting Arts and Charities Philharmonia. Her enthusiasm for chamber music has not waned and, as well as concerts with Symposia, she frequently performs with a range of groups for events such as the Pride of Britain Awards and has recently recorded soundtracks for two documentary films. She also recently recorded for the debut albums of Betty Steeles and Kate Maberley.