What instruments does Clifton Harrison specialise in?

Clifton specialises in performing and researching the viola and the viola d'amore. His performances cover a vast chronological and stylistic range, from historical performance practice of the Baroque period to commissioning and performing new contemporary repertoire.

What is the viola d'amore and why is it a primary focus?

The viola d'amore (Italian for 'viola of love') is a unique Baroque-era string instrument. Its signature resonant and ethereal sound comes from having both seven playing strings and an additional set of seven or more sympathetic strings that vibrate freely beneath the fingerboard. Clifton is a leading performer and researcher, particularly focusing on seventeenth and eighteenth-century repertoire from the Germanic region.

What are Clifton Harrison's major chamber music and orchestral career highlights?

For nearly a decade, Clifton was the viola player for the acclaimed Kreutzer Quartet, making numerous recordings and holding artist-in-residence positions at institutions like Oxford University. As a freelance player, he has worked with most of the UK's major orchestras and period performance ensembles, including recent guest principal viola appearances with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Academy of Ancient Music, and the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Has Clifton Harrison recorded for film, television, or collaborated with popular artists?

Yes. Clifton is an established studio musician who records extensively for film, television, and video game soundtracks, contributing to hundreds of international releases. He has also performed and toured globally with a diverse range of popular artists, including Björk, Eric Clapton, Grace Jones, Jeff Lynne's ELO, Thom Yorke, and Noel Gallagher.

What is Clifton Harrison's involvement in music governance and adjudication?

Clifton serves on the Board of Trustees for the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM) and the European String Teachers Association (ESTA UK). He is a frequent adjudicator and panellist for major industry awards, including the PRS Foundation, Royal Philharmonic Society Awards, and the prestigious Ivors Classical Awards.

What are Clifton Harrison's educational background and professional honours?

Clifton is a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy. His formal studies continued at the Juilliard School (violin/viola) and the Royal Academy of Music (modern viola/baroque viola). In 2019, he was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM) for his significant contribution to the music profession.

What academic research topics are covered in the 'Writing & Projects' section?

Clifton's research focuses on three key areas:

• Seventeenth and eighteenth-century viola d'amore music from the Germanic region.

• Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse classical and contemporary composers/sound artists.

• South American baroque composers of colour.

He also gives lectures on subjects like 'Diversifying Artistic Output and Repertoire' and 'Sourcing Hard to Find Scores.'

Does Clifton Harrison offer tuition, masterclasses, or workshops?

Clifton is a passionate educator and provides masterclasses, workshops, and lectures on viola performance, chamber music, and artistic development. He has taught at prestigious institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge Universities and the Royal Academy of Music, and serves as a viola tutor for the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and the Benedetti Foundation.

What record labels have featured Clifton Harrison's work?

Clifton has been featured on numerous classical and contemporary music recordings, with recent releases appearing on highly regarded labels such as Hyperion, Universal Music, Sony, NAXOS, Warner Music, NMC Records, and Signum Classics.

Where can I view Clifton Harrison's upcoming performances?

Details of all upcoming public performances, recitals, and other engagements can be found on the Concerts section of the website.

Can I hire Clifton Harrison for freelance work or guest appearances?

Yes. Clifton is available for freelance engagements including guest principal viola appearances, orchestral engagements, chamber music collaborations, and studio recording sessions. Please contact his management directly via the website.

How can I get in touch for bookings, collaborations, or a biography update?

Please visit the Contact page on the website. A dedicated form is available for all booking enquiries, media requests, academic collaboration proposals, and to request an updated biography for promotional use.