Trinity Laban alum Richard Allen has been appointed Principal Harp at the acclaimed broadcast ensemble, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. While studying at Trinity Laban for his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees he was taught by Gabriella Dall’Olio and Frances Kelly before continuing his training with Letizia Belmondo at the Haute École de Musique de Lausanne in Switzerland.
Richard’s brilliant solo career has taken him across the UK and Europe following sponsorship as a Countess of Munster Recital Scheme artist in 2017. Notable performances include Glière’s Harp Concerto with the Ulster Orchestra, Mozart’s Concerto for Flute & Harp with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, and recitals at the Clandeboye Festival, Cheltenham Music Festival, and St. Martin-in-the-Fields. In 2017 he won the Second Prize at the prestigious Félix Godefroid International Harp Competition in Belgium, following a First Prize at the North London Camac Competition in 2016, and the BBC Young Musician’s Platform Award shortly after.
His artistic influences include Marie-Pierre Langlamet, Isabelle Moretti, Fabrice Pierre, Sivan Magen, Sylvain Blassel, and the late Germaine Lorenzini, with whom he has taken many masterclasses over the years. His playing is often noted for its palette of shades and colours, and a depth of expression that is rarely heard on the instrument.
A graduate of the Philharmonia Orchestra Fellowship Programme he now freelances with orchestras including the Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg, Opera North, Bremer Philharmoniker, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, London Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. In 2023 he was appointed harp tutor at the Institute of Fine Arts at Leuphana Universität in Germany, and gives courses and masterclasses, at institutions such as the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Royal Irish Academy of Music, and Trinity Laban.
Richard Allen commented on his recent appointment: “I’m beyond delighted to be appointed Principal Harp of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. Were it not for the world-class harp department at Trinity Laban it may not have happened. I’m immensely grateful to my teachers at Trinity Laban, Gabriella Dall’Olio and Frances Kelly, to whom I owe so much. Their generosity, guidance, and depth of knowledge and experience will stay with me for the rest of my life. If I could start all over again I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Based in MediaCityUK Salford, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra has been entertaining audiences for over 100 years and is know for its “distinctive energy, lightning speed, and iconic musical character”. Alongside Allen, three other Trinity Laban alumni are members: Paul Turner (timpani), Claire Sledd (violin) and Toby Tramaseur (violin).