Listen and Learn

In the 56th of a series of articles, David Bird discusses the work of Redbridge Music Society and introduces local flautist Daniel Swani, who will perform with pianist Cathy Davies in Wanstead this month

A central aim of Redbridge Music Society is to promote and support new generations of talented young musicians, and in Wanstead this month, outstanding local flautist Daniel Swani, accompanied by local pianist Cathy Davies, will demonstrate the flute’s versatility with an exciting and wide-ranging programme of music.

Daniel started woodwind lessons at age 10 and whilst attending Woodbridge High School studied at Redbridge Music School. He studied at the Purcell School and the Junior Royal Academy of Music, winning the senior woodwind prize at both institutions, and also played in the National Youth and London Schools’ Symphony Orchestras.

Daniel studied flute, recorder and baroque flute at the Royal Academy of Music, graduating with first-class honours. Whilst a student, he won a number of prizes and awards, including the Nancy Nuttall Early Music Prize. He has an MA degree and an LRAM in Woodwind Teaching and currently teaches at the Royal Academy of Music (Junior Department), the City of London School for Girls and Wellington College, Berkshire.

He is an active orchestral musician and has performed with leading orchestras such as the Royal Opera House, BBC Concert, Hallé, Royal Philharmonic, Philharmonia, and Sinfonia of London Orchestras as guest principal in piccolo and flute. He is also a chamber player and has played at major venues such as London’s Wigmore Hall.

Daniel is an experienced theatre musician and has toured with many shows. He has also recorded for BBC TV, Apple TV, Netflix and BBC Radio 3.

Local pianist Cathy Davies studied at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, obtaining a Licentiate degree in Music Performance. A long-established and experienced piano accompanist with extensive knowledge of many repertoires, Cathy has accompanied many instrumentalists and vocalists for all grades of music examinations (from beginners to diploma level) and for concerts and chamber recitals. She is a regular accompanist for choirs, ballet, tap and modern dance classes and has also been a local church organist for many years. She is manager of the West Essex Music Co-operative and an official accompanist for the Stratford and East London Music Festival.

Cathy is in much demand as a piano teacher, and in addition to teaching piano privately, teaches at local schools, including Woodford Green Preparatory and Bancroft’s. She makes a very welcome return to Redbridge Music Society this month. Please come along to hear an exceptional evening of music-making.