Vanessa David

Biography

Vanessa has been principal first violin with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia since 1990 and has led them on many occasions including at the Barbican, Symphony Hall Birmingham and Royal Opera House. Solo work for them has included performances of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, while her position as principal has given her many chamber music opportunities. 

In her freelance career, Vanessa has been invited to lead the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, London City Ballet and Welsh Chamber Orchestra, has co-led the Ulster Orchestra and Bournemouth Sinfonietta and has played principal with Bournemouth Symphony. She has also played with most of Britain’s orchestras including the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields, the English Chamber Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and held a 1st violin position with BBC Symphony Orchestra. Vanessa has broadcast as a soloist on HTV Wales, BBC Wales, Radio 3 and Radio Wales. 

Vanessa runs her own music courses, National Strings, and is in demand to give masterclasses and coach youth orchestras. She gives masterclasses for the Royal Academy of Music and Birmingham Conservatoire. She also prepares the 1st year violinists at Birmingham Conservatoire for their orchestral exam. She has coached the National Children’s Orchestra, Birmingham University Symphony Orchestra, LSSO, Gwent Youth Orchestra and Wiltshire Youth Orchestra. She coordinates the Royal Ballet Sinfonia’s mentoring scheme which the Royal Academy of Music and Brimingham Conservatoire are part of. In 2004 Vanessa was a finalist of Welsh Woman of the Year - Arts and Media. 

Vanessa studied at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, the Royal Academy of Music and in Amsterdam with Herman Krebbers. Other teachers have included Mark Knight, Jack Glickman, Emanuel Hurwitz and Rodney Friend. During this time she was the recipient and prize winner of numerous scholarships, competitions and awards. Vanessa has taught at Junior Guildhall since 2005.