Mark Ross Jackson

Born: Wellington, new Zealand, 11 Oct., 1951

Studied with Wilfred Simenauer (ex Principal RLPO), and at Canterbury University with Zdenek Konicek of the Prague String Quartet.

After completing a B.Mus. degree in Performance, I was appointed Principal Cello of the newly-formed Australian Opera Orchestra.

I joined the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as Co-Principal in 1970, and continued studying with James Whitehead at the Elder Conservatorium in Adelaide. During this time, I recorded the Dvorak Cello Concerto with the MSO for the Australian Broadcasting Commission.

In 1972, I moved to London, where I immediately became a member of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. I also continued studying with Antony Pini, the highly-respected soloist and Principal Cellist at the Royal Opera House.

In 1974, I joined the London Philharmonic Orchestra and became Co-Principal in 1978. The LPO was the resident orchestra at Glyndebourne at this time, and whilst I was a member I spent 13 seasons there; so I am also familiar with quite a varied part of the opera repertoire. I was the first-call recitative player for any of the Baroque operas that they performed.

In 1986, I became free-lance appearing regularly with The Academy of St. Martin’s-in-the-field, London Sinfonietta, English Chamber Orchestra, as well as all the major London orchestras. During this period, I also did “session-work” for many films, TV series and advertising.

I was a founder member of the “Syrinx” Chamber Ensemble, touring extensively with them in Spain (under the auspices of the British Council), and broadcasting often for the BBC. These recitals often included many pieces that I arranged especially for this group, which consisted of flute, harp and string trio. I also appeared on many occasions as guest cellist with the Melos Ensemble.

In 1989, I accepted the position of Professor of Violoncello at the Conservatorio Regional do Algarve in Portugal. I taught there and performed chamber music in Lisbon and Opporto. I still return to Portugal two or three times a year to give “master-classes”, and to coach and perform chamber music.

In 1997, due to my wife’s ill-health, I had to return to live in England. Now that she has regained her fitness, I am able to offer my services as, primarily, a teacher of the cello.

However, as you can deduce from the above resume, I am an extremely experienced orchestral and chamber-music player, and therefore consider myself to be capable of teaching all aspects of cello playing to a very high standard.

Since my return to the UK, I have taught for the Music Service in Hull, and worked as string tutor for the 11th. Session Workshop in Mansfield: I also teach a number of private pupils, and am on the recommended list for the Associated Board of Music.

I have also arranged a large amount of orchestral music for groups of all standards and formats, in order to further the experience of musicians of all levels of ability.

I have had 20 years as a professional teacher with notable success.

If you wish to contact me, for further information or discussion, my details are as follows: