Damon Flanagan

Biography

Damon is both a violinist and violin teacher based in the Royal Borough of Greenwich in South East London and originally from Southampton. After studying at Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Simon Fischer, Jaqueline Ross and Yfrah Neaman he attended the Conservatorium van Amsterdam with the great Latvian soloist, Ilya Grubert.

His performing career has lead to working with a number of the UK’s top ensembles with whom he has performed at the BBC Proms and on Television and Radio on numerous occasions. Damon has been guest leader for the second violins of Opera North, as well as performing with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony, Royal Philharmonic, BBC Concert Orchestra and English National Ballet.  His engagements have included many of the world’s most famous and talented musicians and performers across all genres: Nigel Kennedy, Stephanie Benadetti, Kylie Minogue, Katherine Jenkins, Jose Carreras, Robbie Williams, Sir Simon Rattle, Midori, Take That, Bueno Vista Social Club, Bill Bailey and Tasmin Little. Damon is also the director of the Mancini String Quartet.

Damon teaches violin and chamber music at Junior Trinity, The King’s School Canterbury, Dame Alice Owen’s School and Townley Grammar School. He is a Violin Mentor on the Music Masters Pathways Programme, working with some of their talented students with the aim of making music making a more inclusive and diverse profession.

Damon plays on a 2007 Christoph Gotting violin made especially for him.