Kyra Humphreys

Kyra Humphreys is a distinguished orchestral and chamber musician whose career spans major UK symphony and chamber orchestras. She has appeared as guest leader and director with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, and the Orchestra of Opera North. Her performances as a soloist include the BBC Proms, and her world premiere of John Casken’s Après un Silence was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, described by The Times as “authoritatively dramatic.”

As the violinist and violist of the award-winning Zanfonia Trio, Kyra was a finalist in the Osaka International Chamber Music Competition, and the ensemble has performed extensively across the UK. Their recording of 20th-century clarinet trio repertoire was praised by BBC Music Magazine for its “energy, flair and stylistic exactitude.”

From 1998 to 2025, Kyra was Co-Leader of the Royal Northern Sinfonia, frequently appearing as director and soloist. Highlights of her tenure include performances of Mozart Concertos, Barber and Kurt Weill Violin Concertos, Piazzolla’s Four Seasons, and Philip Glass’ The American Four Seasons. Alongside her orchestral work, she maintains an active chamber and contemporary music career.

A committed educator, Kyra has coached for the National Youth Orchestra for 16 years and works with the National Youth Orchestra Inspire programme. She has taught at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and is currently a Visiting Artist at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire while also running a private studio.

A Londoner by birth and a Mathematics graduate of Oxford University, Kyra resides in Newcastle upon Tyne.