Musical background | Education and Qualifications | Recent engagements | Miscellaneous | Referees
| Date of birth: | 22nd June 1975 |
| Marital status: | single |
| Nationality: | British |
| e-mail: | cv@adamspiers.org |
| Phone: | 07775 562 717 |
Adam was born in Shropshire, England into a musical family, and his musical experiences began on an plastic xylophone at a very early age. By the time he reached 5 years old he had progressed to the piano, and then the 'cello quickly took over as his main instrument when he started learning it at the age of 7.
Over the next five years Adam was awarded academic and music scholarships to Prestfelde Preparatory School, a high distinction at Grade 8, and then major academic and music scholarships to Shrewsbury School. Studying with Paul Ives during this time, he regularly performed as a soloist and in chamber groups around the county and on local radio, and was four times Concerto Finalist in the Shropshire Young Musician of the Year, performing concertos by Saint-Saens, Dvorak, and Haydn. He also obtained a performance diploma from the Royal College of Music at the age of 17.
At 15 years old he gained a place in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, and three years later was appointed principal of this and the National Youth Chamber Orchestra; highlights of this association included performing solos under Sir Colin Davis at the Barbican and Mark Wigglesworth in the 100th series of the Henry Wood Proms. When he left the NYCO he was presented with a bursary from the Jerwood Foundation which enabled him to commission a fine bow from David Collins.
Adam then went on to study a degree in Mathematics and Computation at New College, Oxford University, and was granted an Instrumental Music Award in the first term. Over the next 5 years at Oxford he took an active part in the university's music, at various stages leading the cello sections of the Oxford University Orchestra, Oxford University Philharmonia, Oxford University Chamber Orchestra, and Oxford University Sinfonietta. He received occasional tuition from Bruno Schrecker, then 'cellist of the Allegri, the university's resident string quartet, and continued taking regular lessons from David Strange in London. His external activities while at university also included playing as co-principal 'cello of the London Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.
Adam completed a postgraduate performance course at the Royal Academy of Music (1998-2000), studying with Colin Carr, David Strange, and Philip Sheppard, and achieving distinctions and merit in his technical and final examinations respectively. During the course he took part in 'cello masterclasses with Robert Cohen, Zara Nelsova, Paul Watkins, Mats Lidström, Jenny Ward-Clarke, Douglas Cummings, Lionel Handy, and David Smith, received quartet coaching from members of the Amadeus, Alberni and Brodsky string quartets, trio coaching from Joseph Seiger and Sigmund Nissel, duo coaching with Malcolm Martineau, and took part in many concerts both inside and outside the Academy.
He has also been coached by members of the Allegri, Borodin, Coull and Delme string quartets, and is currently in a piano trio with Andrew Dixon, and Conny Lindgren.
Recent external engagements include:
Adam is a keen jazz pianist, and also enjoys cycling, reading, playing badminton and juggling balls, clubs, and fire. He is also a highly qualified computer professional.
Last updated: 29 July 2000, 21:20.39