Violist who was introduced to music at eight years of age, when her elementary school hosted a music career day. On each desk was a different musical instrument, and she was drawn to the trumpet, although she couldn’t make any sound come out. Her mom suggested she take up the violin, which she did, and became good enough to play in the school orchestra. The orchestra’s only viola player left at the end of the school year and Natasha’s music teacher made her an offer she couldn’t refuse: If you switch to the viola, you can have both the instrument and lessons at no charge. Because she was now the only violist in the orchestra, it allowed her to play a wide variety of music, both as a chamber and orchestral musician.
She attended the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England, where she earned a viola performance degree. At the Guildhall School of Music, she acquired her Master’s in performance and concert recital diploma. Her teachers included David Takeno.
In 2004, she joined the London Symphony Orchestra. Other groups with whom she has worked include the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the European Union Youth Orchestra, and the Philharmonia.
She appeared on the LSO’s 2008 recording, John Adams: A Flowering Tree.
On 10th January 2012, the LSO performed “Dances from Powder Her Face” by Thomas Ades, “Symphony No. 1” by Sir Edward Elgar, and “Viola Concerto” by Sir William Walton, with soloist Antoine Tamestit. Sir Antonio Pappano conducted.
Andre Previn was at the helm when the LSO gave the European premiere of his “Concerto for Violin, Viola and Orchestra”, with soloists Yuri Bashmet and Anne-Sophie Mutter. It was sandwiched between Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring – Suite” and John Harbison’s “Symphony No. 3”.
In the field of music education, Natasha has taught both privately and at the Royal College of Music, participated in the LSO Discovery program, sat on the Surrey Arts independent teachers panel, and served as a Level 3 advanced fitness instructor & personal trainer.
Her own education has also continued: She has pursued Regent’s Academy diplomas in decorative paint & interior design.
She performs here…
Sources:
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G5VNcLjSEc
- http://www.zoominfo.com/#!search/profile/person?personId=908788336&targetid=profile
- http://www.euyo.org.uk/united-kingdom
- http://www.discogs.com/artist/Natasha+Wright
- http://lso.co.uk/tuesday-10-january-2012
- http://lso.co.uk/sunday-19-monday-20-february-2012
- http://schoolofeverything.com/teacher/natashawright