16-22 August

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.

In 2001 he 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 April 2009 and is also the violist in the Abbracci Piano Quartet.

In addition to his work with the Badke Quartet, Jon has played with many of the major orchestras in the UK and has appeared on numerous film releases, including Batman: The Dark Knight and The Mummy Returns. Jon also performs on many pop albums, from Amy Winehouse to Primal Scream.

Jon is a strong believer in music education and is a Viola & Chamber Music Professor at the Royal Academy of Music. Previously he taught viola at the Royal College of Music (2001-2011), the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama 2006-2011) and the Royal Holloway University. He is viola and chamber music coach for various courses and has given masterclasses at festivals across the UK and Europe. He is also a trustee of Vacation Chamber Orchestras.

In 2009 and 2011, Jon was a Juror for the European Music Festival for Young People in Neerpelt, Belgium and for the Ripon Young Musicians’ Festival. In 2012 Jon will be adjudicator for Trinity College of Music’s John Barbirolli Quartet Competition and the Somerset Young Musician or the Year. Other Jury appearances include Ripon Young Musician of the Year, Hurstpierpoint College and Tiffin School.

Jon plays a fine viola by Marino Capicchioni.