The Purcell School is delighted to announce the appointment of internationally acclaimed violinist and educator Alex Redington as its new Head of Strings, beginning September 2025.
Alex brings a wealth of experience as a performer and teacher, having spent 27 years as first violinist and founding member of the acclaimed Doric String Quartet. Formed when he was just 15, the group earned international recognition and built a distinguished discography with Chandos Records. Their last Beethoven recordings were praised by Gramophone Magazine for Redington’s “mesmerising playing.”
Alongside his performing career, Alex is a committed teacher, holding faculty positions at the Royal Academy of Music, the Yehudi Menuhin School and the University of Cambridge. He has collaborated with renowned artists such as Benjamin Grosvenor, Jonathan Biss, Elisabeth Leonskaja and Marc-André Hamelin, and appeared on stages including Carnegie Hall, the Vienna Konzerthaus, Amsterdam Concertgebouw and Wigmore Hall. As a soloist, Alex has performed with orchestras including the Vienna Symphony and BBC Symphony Orchestra under conductors such as John Adams and Edward Gardner.
Alex succeeds Charles Sewart, who will step down at the end of this academic year after 18 years of exceptional service. The School wishes to express its deepest gratitude to Charles for his outstanding leadership and lasting contribution to generations of young string players.
Reflecting on his new role, Alex Redington said: “I am thrilled to take up the position of Head of Strings at The Purcell School. Having been a student there myself, I am fully aware of the importance and positive impact it has on shaping the futures of its gifted students. I feel privileged to be entrusted with this role and look forward to working alongside the School’s talented staff to help realise the enormous potential of its students.”
Principal Paul Bambrough welcomed the appointment: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Alex back to The Purcell School. His exceptional musicianship, inspiring career and deep commitment to education make him uniquely suited to lead our Strings Department into its next chapter. We look forward with great excitement to all he will bring to our musical community.”
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