percussion

timpani

Ruari Donaldson (timpani)

Ruari was born in Glasgow and studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. After returning to his home city he freelanced for several years with all the Scottish orchestras before becoming timpanist of the Orchestra of Scottish Opera in 1998. Ruari enjoys teaching and has a wide range of students from primary age to adult as well as coaching the percussion section of the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra.

percussion

Jay Allen (percussion)

Studied Timpani and Percussion at the Guildhall of School of Music and Drama. Whilst studying there he was fortunate to be offered freelance work with the following: LSO, RPO, Philharmonia, BBCSO, BBCNOW, English Chamber Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra of St Johns Smith Square, America National Ballet, Bejart Ballet, Royal Ballet, Kent Opera, The National Theatre and various TV and Audio recording sessions. Jay started freelancing with Scottish Opera whilst at the Guildhall and was a founder member of the Orchestra of Scottish Opera which was formed in 1980. In 1991 Jay was appointed as Orchestra Manager which he combined with his role as Section Principal Percussion and he became Orchestra and Concerts Director 2002. In addition to his Scottish Opera commitments, Jay engages musicians for Concerts, TV and Audio Recordings, Weddings and Chamber Music Ensembles.