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, performing in renowned venues such as L’église de la Madeleine, Paris; the Teatro della Residenza in Monza, Italy and St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London. He also offers workshops at institutions such as the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Royal Irish Academy of Music, and Trinity Laban.
His passionate performances and compelling repertoire have brough him great success; in 2016 he won first prize at the North London Camac Competition followed by second prize at the prestigious Félix Godefroid International Harp Competition in Belgium in 2017, he was awarded the BBC Young Musician’s Platform Award shortly after.
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).