Darwin Ensemble

Violin & Artistic Director

Alex Laing's musical education began at the Edinburgh Academy and at St. Mary's Music School where he studied violin with Warren Jacobs and worked closely with Lord Menuhin.

He then read music at Christ's College Cambridge, before going on to further his violin studies at the Birmingham Conservatoire.

Now based in Lichfield, he leads the Spires Philharmonic and the Birmingham Philharmonic and is a regular player in the English Symphony Orchestra.

Alex also does recital work with the pianist and composer Adam Caird. Caird and Laing are not just a professional partnership; they are first cousins, which lends a delightful personal touch to their programming and performance style.

Until summmer 2010, Alex has been violin and viola teacher at Lichfield Cathedral School and at Repton School. In September 2010 he took up position as Head of Strings at Uppingham School.
Alex was co-founder (with Philip Scriven) of DECO in September 2008. Since then he has been its leader and artistic director, dealing with all matters to do with programming, players and music. Alex's wife Meredith is DECO's main administrator. 

• Read more about Alex on his website »