Biography

Jonathan Phillips is an accomplished and versatile young timpanist and percussionist. Jonathan joined the Royal Academy of Music in September 2017 and studied with Neil Percy and Simon Carrington. After graduating with first class honours in July 2021, Jonathan continued his studies, starting a Masters degree at the Academy in September 2021, studying with Tony Bedewi and Sam Walton. Jonathan was involved in numerous high profile projects at the Academy, including symphony orchestra performances with Sir Mark Elder, Edward Gardner and John Wilson, and also performed challenging chamber works such as Bartok’s Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion, and Steve Reich’s Quartet. In summer 2018 Jonathan was awarded the James Blades prize for Timpani from RAM, and in summer 2019 was awarded the Zildjian percussion prize. He also received the Dawson Miller Award in July 2022.

As a young professional, Jonathan is developing a varied career, working with ensembles on the concert platform, in the theatre pit and in a studio setting. He regularly appears as an extra playing timpani with orchestras such as the London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra and BBC Concert Orchestra, and is also on trial for the role of Principal Timpani with Opera North, and Associate Principal Timpani and Percussion with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also played percussion with the LPO and the Philharmonia Orchestra, and has performed with renowned contemporary ensemble Colin Currie Group.

Jonathan is generously supported by the Biddy Baxter and John Hosier Music Trust.

Page Updated: September 2022

Musicians’ Company Award: Biddy Baxter Special Award 2021

Photo Credit: None