University News Last updated 08 October
Acclaimed classical violinist Tasmin Little CBE says she wants to promote the West Midlands as a cultural hub and grow local talent in her new role as RBC International Chair.
Tasmin announced her retirement from concert performing in 2020, and now the award-winning violinist is supporting a new generation of classical musicians within the Strings Department.
As part of her role, Tasmin will be working with 35 violin students to improve their playing and prepare them for professional performances.
She will also spearhead events at RBC to showcase the work of students, including Beethoven 2027, which will mark the bicentenary of the composer’s death.
Over the course of her 30-year professional career, Tasmin has performed all over the world with numerous major international orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO). She has also released more than 40 albums.
Tasmin said: “I’m delighted to be taking up the role of International Chair of the Violin at RBC. Now that I’m no longer performing as a concert soloist, I’m thrilled to have more time to devote to teaching the next generation.
“When I was invited to RBC earlier this year to work with students, their enthusiasm and devotion impressed me so much that when I was offered this role, I couldn’t turn it down!
“I’ve performed in Birmingham many times and loved every occasion. The city is a centre for cultural excellence, and I want to promote local talent and hope to inspire the next generation of musical students who may, one day, go on to study at RBC.”
RBC Principal Stephen Maddock said: “I’m delighted that Tasmin has agreed to join RBC. It’s great to welcome her back to Birmingham after working with her at City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) and seeing her perform there with the orchestra regularly.
“Not content to simply be a figurehead, Tasmin has committed to visit RBC multiple times per term, to personally oversee and guide the progress of every violin student here. Her artistry, energy and commitment will make an enormous impact on RBC and in the West Midlands.”
In 2008, Tasmin released a recording of three solo violin pieces, ‘The Naked Violin’, as a free download to make classical music more accessible. She also won the Critics Award at the 2011 Classic Brit Awards and was awarded a CBE in 2023 for services to music.
Photo credit: Melanie Winning