Co-Principal Second Violin
Born in Neath, South Wales, Elen Hâf Rideal played the piano, violin and harp from a young age. She accepted the Laura Ashley Scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London, under the guidance of Mateja Marinkovic and Mayumi Fujikawa, and was awarded a First Class Bmus(Hons) and PGDip. Elen received fantastic orchestral training in the National Youth Orchestra of Wales where she was Leader for numerous years, as well as in the European Union Youth Orchestra and LSO String Scheme.
Elen joined the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 2008 and currently holds the post of Co-Principal Second Violin. She has also been fortunate to broadcast and perform as Principal Second Violin of the National Symphony Orchestra, guest Principal Second Violin with Welsh National Opera and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and guest Co-Leader and Principal Second Violin of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
Whilst off stage, Elen enjoys drawing and painting and trying to keep up with her two sons!
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