Simon Gilliver

Key details:

Department:
Music
Role:
Classical Improvisation Coach
Simon Gilliver, staff at Guildhall School of Music & Drama, playing flute

Simon Gilliver read music at the University of Birmingham, followed by postgraduate studies at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, where he received a Masters Degree and the Guildhall Artist Award, both with Distinction.

While at Guildhall, he founded the Prima Volta Ensemble, a group devoted entirely to classical improvisation. The group performed extensively and together led many courses, including several residencies for Aldeburgh Young Musicians.

Simon specialised on the flute at Guildhall, and was the winner of the Albert Cooper International Flute Competition in 2006, but now enjoys a dual career as a flautist and pianist, as well as working as a conductor and arranger. He works extensively as a freelance orchestral player on both instruments, and is Principal Flute with Covent Garden Sinfonia.

As an accompanist, as well as playing regularly for exams, diplomas, competitions and auditions, Simon has partnered many leading UK artists in recital.