Jon Thorne
The Royal Academy of Music, London; Oxford Philomusica Principal; Oculi Ensemble
Jon Thorne studied at the London College of Music with Maureen Smith and Penny Filer, then at the Royal College of Music with Simon Rowland-Jones and later with Mark Knight.
Upon leaving the RCM, Jon joined the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
Jon left the BSO to form the Bronte String Quartet. Prizewinners at both the Royal Over-Seas League and the Cremona International Quartet Competitions, the Bronte Quartet played at venues such as London’s Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room, and many festivals throughout the UK and abroad.
Jon joined the Badke Quartet in 2009 and played with them at venues throughout the UK and abroad including the Wigmore Hall (live on BBC R3), Kings Place, the Aix, Montreux, Ljubljana and Mecklenburg Festivals, Esterhazy Palace, USA tours and the Concertgebouw. They also broadcast on BBC R3, Classic Fm and on French National Radio and TV. The Quartet was resident at Imperial College and Royal Holloway universities. The Quartet recorded for Champs Hill Records and for Cadenza Classics.
Jon is a current member of The Oculi Ensemble. As well as performing at venues such as the Concertgebouw and on BBC Radio 3. The Oculi Ensemble's CD 'Metamorphosen' received international acclaim and 5-star reviews.
In addition to his work with the Oculi Ensemble, Jon has played with many of the major orchestras in the UK and currently holds the position of Principal Viola with the Oxford Philharmonic. He is also a regular guest principal with The London Philharmonic Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, London Mozart Players and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
Jon has appeared on numerous film releases, from Batman to Almodovar and performs on many pop albums, from Amy Winehouse to Primal Scream. He recently appeared as a soloist on the Naxos release of the Puccini Requiem and Malpiero De Profundis with the Vassari Singers.
A Viola and Chamber Music Professor at the Academy, Jon previously he taught viola at the Royal College of Music, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the Royal Holloway University. He is viola and chamber music coach for various courses and has given masterclasses at Sibelius Academy, Royal Danish Conservatoire, ESMAE Porto, FSU, UCONN, Shanghai Conservatoire, EMESP Sao Paulo and for festivals across the UK and Europe. He is also a trustee of Vacation Chamber Orchestras.
Jon has appeared as a juror for the Tertis Competition, The Royal Overseas League Chamber Music Competition, Windsor Festival International String Competition, The Parkhouse Award, The European Music Festival for Young People in Neerpelt, Belgium, North London Music Festival Viola Competition, Trinity College of Music’s John Barbirolli Quartet Competition, the Somerset Young Musician or the Year, Ripon Young Musician of the Year, Hurstpierpoint College.
Jon plays a viola by Guarneri c1690.
