"THE undoubted highlight of the 24th annual evening of
music-making was provided by the talented 15-year-old John Garner.
This young violinist, who is West Midland Light Orchestra's
youngest member, superbly played the solo part in the theme music
from the film Schindler's List..." (This is Kidderminster Nov.
2005)
"In the second half the 15-year-old British violinist John
Garner played unaccompanied Bach and Ysa˙e excellently...."
(Musical Opinion Nov-Dec 2005, review of the Virtuoso Violin
Festival)
"It was the first occasion for the choir members to hear
John Garner and they, like everyone, were thrilled with his
command of the instrument..." (The Chronicle, 28th Jan 2005 -
review of Tsunami concert)
John started playing the violin
just before his eighth birthday, with the Birmingham Music
Service. By the age of eleven, under the
guidance of violin teacher Timothy J. Beilby ABSM GBSM
PGCE, he had taken all
nine ABRSM grades and passed all with distinction. At the age of 14, he was awarded his performance diploma
from the Royal Schools of Music (Dip ABRSM) with distinction.
His experiences have been
wide ranging including
workshops with the Coull , Maggini and Endellion Quartets, being an active member and leader of the
West Midlands Light Orchestra, co-leader of the
Academy
Chamber Orchestra, and being regional finals winner of the BBC Young Musician
of the year 2008.
In the same year
John successfully auditioned as an associate member of the CBSO (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) and is
currently continuing his studies
with Mark Messenger at the Royal College of Music.
Memorable performances include
performing the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in Birmingham's
Symphony Hall alongside a newly-choreographed ballet, and forming
and leading the Highbury String Quartet. John also takes an active
interest in the production of electronic music and last year
privately released his first CD of crossover compositions, Three
Stages of Chaos. In addition to being a long-standing member of
the electro-folk Birmingham-based group
Malpas, he has supported
with high-profile chart artists such as
Mr. Hudson and OK GO.
