Meet the Performers – Georgina, Violin

We are delighted that Georgina will be performing at our ‘Jess Gillam and Friends’ concert on 7 May. Georgina was a London Music Fund Scholar until July 2023 and is currently preparing for her grade 8 violin exam. Since graduating, Georgina has taken on a mentoring role within her Music School’s Lower Orchestra, performs with Hillingdon’s Symphony Orchestra, and has attended the London International Early Music Exhibition in Greenwich.

We asked Georgina about her experiences as a London Music Fund Scholar, what she is looking forward to about the concert, and her musical influences:

Tell us about your experience of being a LMF Scholar

I fell in love with the violin in primary school and have never looked back since. Thanks to the Music Fund, I was able to take private lessons and ABRSM grades. I am now preparing for my Grade 8 exam and playing in the upper orchestra in my music school. When I was a scholar, I also got the chance to attend many concerts, events and workshops that my family could not have been able to take me to without support. Finally, after graduating from the LMF, I was picked to help out in the lower orchestra in my music school. I am very proud that I can now give back to the next generation of musicians by volunteering in this way.

What are you looking forward to about the concert?

I am really excited about taking part in this concert. First because I love the saxophone and have never visited St John’s Smith Square, which looks like a beautiful venue. But also because I want to show to everyone what a difference the LMF has made to me. It will be nice to see all the tutors again, some of the old friends I met through the Music Fund, and hopefully reach out to a new audience of supporters

What does playing music mean to you?

Music for me is a way to relax and have fun after a long day. As a neurodivergent person, music has enabled me to express myself in a more personal and impactful way that words could ever do. Being part of an orchestra has allowed me to make like-minded friends, helped me to improve my communication with others, and has let me develop my cooperation and teamwork skills. Now that I am part of the upper orchestra, I will tour abroad and discover new places and cultures.

What impact do you think music has on the world?

I think music brings colour to life, it makes everything more interesting and vibrant, and is also a tool for peace and harmony in a turbulent world.

Who do you look up to most in music/life?

Nicola Benedetti: not just because she is an amazing violinist, but because she organises workshops that bring together talented tutors and young musicians from all over the world, whatever their background and financial situation. I am also inspired every day by my music teacher, Jovana. She is kind, generous, patient and efficient, and has helped me all the way to Grade 7. She always has the best advice and feedback, but she is also fun and embodies the person I would like to become as a musician

What is your dream performance?

I am already living my dream, playing in Hillingdon’s Sinfonia Orchestra, which would have been impossible without the support of the LMF

You can see Georgina perform with Jess Gillam and Friends on 7 May 2024 at St John’s Smith Square. To book your tickets, click the button below.

Book your tickets here