Edward Lewis (Conductor)

Edward is one of several conductors that the orchestra works with.
He studied music at Pembroke College, Oxford, where he gained extensive experience conducting both orchestral and choral music, whilst serving as an assistant Organ Scholar, and a Choral Scholar at Worcester College. He currently works with several choirs and orchestras, including the Bromley Oecumenical Singers and the Choir of the Oxford University Press, and studies conducting with Peter Stark. After studying for an MA in Composition for the Screen at the Bournemouth Media School, Edward also works as a composer and sound designer for theatre, film and radio, with recent commissions including productions at the Hampstead Theatre, the Gate Theatre, Notting Hill and Sadler's Wells. He also works for several music magazines and websites as a music and opera critic, which gets him out of the house, if not actually gaining him many friends. When not doing any of these things, he has taken up annoying his neighbours by trying to teach himself the trombone, and is currently surprised that it doesn't appear to be as easy as it looks!

Eleanor Nicholls (Leader)

Eleanor has been playing the violin for 26 years. Playing the violin in several youth orchestras and chamber ensembles was a big part of her life as a teenager and student, and she vowed that she would not stop practising and allow her playing to deteriorate when she grew up.

Five years ago she realised that she had indeed stopped practising and needed an orchestra. She joined Blackfriars Sinfonia, and is enjoying making the orchestral music she loves, in a fun environment. Never having led an orchestra until 2 years ago, she initially felt slightly alarmed at the prospect but is getting used to it!
Eleanor sang with St John’s College chapel choir for four years and is currently a member of the Bach Choir. She has conducted St Anne’s & St John’s college orchestra and rehearsed Blackfriars Sinfonia.

Lizzie Cole (2nd violin)

Coming from a musical family I have been involved in music since I was little. I have mainly focused on the Sax, doing show music, playing in MYJO, various soul bands and a saxophone quartet. I had only ever played the violin in a string quartet and was excited to have a go at playing orchestral music.

I moved to London for a job in the Voluntary Sector 18 months ago and didn't have any of the musical links I had in Birmingham. The Blackfriars Sinfonia has been a brilliant way to meet other musicians and get back into playing the violin with no pressure of performing concerts. The orchestra is really friendly and has a great mix of people, I'd recommend for anyone to come and play.

Annette Beresford (cello)

Ever since I was first introduced to chamber music as a child, making music with other people has been one of my favourite activities. At Blackfriars Sinfonia we play different pieces every week, which is a great way of discovering music. And with its friendly atmosphere the Sinfonia is easily the nicest orchestra I have ever played in.

Laura Macmillen (cello)

Tuesday nights is in fact the only time I play my cello ... While it would take much more dedication to get back to the standard I used to be, I have stopped pretending that this will happen in the near future! So the Sinfonia is the perfect way to keep my playing ticking over in an atmosphere that is fun, totally free of pressure and, I have to say, often side-splittingly funny. You won't find anything else like it!