About this user
Known for his varied and exciting repertoire, Andrew Whettam is a leading British marimba player. He has given world premiere performances of more than a dozen solo and ensemble works, including several written by his father, Graham Whettam.
As a soloist Andrew has performed throughout Britain and as far afield as Moscow, Russia, and Kunming, China. He has appeared on the stages of major concert venues such as Manchesters Bridgewater Hall, Birminghams Symphony Hall and Her Majestys Theatre, London. Solo appearances with orchestras include Manchester Camerata, Goldberg Ensemble and New English Orchestra. Andrew has performed for audiences ranging from children with special needs to Ambassadors (at the invitation of the Guatemalan Ambassador in whose country marimba is the national instrument). As a chamber musician he has toured abroad in Austria, Czech Republic, Faeroe Islands and France and has taken part in several Arts Council sponsored tours in the UK.
Andrew studied percussion at the Royal Northern College of Music, gaining a distinction in the Professional Performance diploma. Shortly afterwards he was joint winner in the Incorporated Society of Musicians Young Performers competition. Besides his solo and ensemble work, Andrew has had a distinguished career as an orchestral percussionist, having played and recorded with many of the UKs leading orchestras. These include the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Royal Ballet. Andrew has performed at the BBC Proms, Edinburgh, Cheltenham, Huddersfield and Salzburg Festivals. He has appeared on national radio and television and has toured in Austria, Norway, and Sweden. Theatre credits include the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Exchange Theatre and Really Useful Theatre Company.
A composer and arranger himself, Andrew has made a significant contribution to the percussion repertoire and his composition for children's orchestra, "A Thread of Life", had its 1997 premiere in Manchester's Bridgewater Hall.
"Great verve and conviction" MUSIC & MUSICIANS
"Magical multi-malletted choreography" TEMPO MAGAZINE
"A dynamic and thrustful performance" DAILY TELEGRAPH
Country
United Kingdom
Occupation
Musician
Schools
Royal Northern College of Music
AndrewMarimba
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