Soloist

Jonathan Rees has enjoyed a distinguished career as a soloist, performing concertos with leading ensembles including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Academy of St Martin’s in the Fields and Bournemouth Sinfonietta. His recital appearances include major venues such as Wigmore Hall, the Purcell Room, and the Queen's Hall.

Praised by The Strad for his tonal colour, virtuosity and musical integrity, Jonathan’s playing combines technical command with expressive depth. His classical recordings include ten discs as soloist and director for Virgin Classics, featuring the complete Bach Brandenburg Concertos and violin concertos, alongside further concerto and recital releases.

 

Chamber Music

A passionate chamber musician, Jonathan is a founding member of the Fibonacci Sequence, the Bohemian Piano Trio and Musicians of the Royal Exchange Manchester. His chamber work has taken him to festivals and concert series across the UK and Europe, performing a wide-ranging repertoire.

His chamber recordings, released on ASV, Guild and Gamut, reflect a commitment to stylistic authenticity and collaborative artistry. Whether in piano trio, string ensemble or mixed chamber settings, Jonathan brings the same refinement, clarity and intensity that characterise his solo playing.

 

Studio Musician

Alongside his classical career, Jonathan is one of the UK’s most experienced studio violinists, contributing to over 8,000 commercial recordings. He has worked with artists including Metallica, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Adele and Kate Bush, as well as on major film franchises such as Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Lord of the Rings.

As orchestral leader for London’s principal recording contractors, he is valued for his versatility, stylistic awareness and reliability in the studio, bridging the worlds of classical performance and commercial music at the highest level.

 

Teaching and Education

Jonathan’s musical foundations were shaped at the Yehudi Menuhin School, The Juilliard School in New York and the International Menuhin Music Academy in Gstaad, studying with distinguished teachers including Margaret Norris, Alberto Lysy, Yehudi Menuhin, Felix Andrievsky and Dorothy DeLay.

He has held teaching and performing residencies at Kingston University and Bangor University, served as Professor at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and spent eight years as Assistant Director of Music at St Mary’s School, Ascot. Through masterclasses at the Yehudi Menuhin School and the Royal Academy of Music, alongside his private teaching, Jonathan combines a wealth of international performing experience with a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of violinists.