Principal Bassoon
Richard Ion joined the RPO in 2021 after carving out a successful freelance career, regularly appearing as guest principal with major orchestras across the UK and Europe.
Originally from the village of Alva in Scotland, Richard studied at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester with BBC Philharmonic Orchestra bassoonists Simon Durnford and David Chatwin. He now holds teaching positions at both the Royal Northern College of Music and Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London.
Outside of music, Richard is a keen swimmer and cyclist, and in 2018 completed the UK Ironman triathlon in Bolton.
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