Chris Hopkins

Chris won a scholarship to attend the Junior department of the Royal Academy of Music at the age of fourteen, and having graduated from a Masters degree in British Music with distinction from Bristol University, returned to the Academy in 2008 to complete his postgraduate education, where he has won several prizes and awards in the last year. Along the way he has played for audiences around the world, performing in Singapore, Prague, New York and London (including the Wigmore Hall, St James’s Piccadilly, Royal Festival Hall and the National Gallery), working regularly with orchestras, chamber groups and a wide range of musicians. He has also worked extensively as a pianist for music festivals and competitions including the Handel Singing Competition, the Santander Festival, and for Opera North. He has been offered a fellowship for the coming year as a répétiteur for Royal Academy Opera, beginning his post as principal pianist for Sir Charles Mackerras’ production of Semele this year.

As a conductor Chris has been invited to direct a range of ensembles including the Orchestra of the City, Blaze Ensemble, Corinthians Chamber Orchestra, European Medics Symphony Orchestra, Weston Brass, and various other chamber and string orchestras. Directing the above he has given performances in venues such as St John’s, Smith Square, the Royal Festival Hall, St George’s, Bristol, as well as touring to Spain, Czech Republic, the UK, and appearing live on BBC radio. He is also an accomplished violinist, leading productions of contemporary opera at the Arcola Theatre in London, and Riverside Opera performances, and has played with a number of orchestras, including the European Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. He is currently coming to the end of his postgraduate degree at the Academy, supported by an Elton John Scholarship.