RSNO welcomes two new members to double bass section Posted Thu 19 September 2024
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) appoints Moray Jones and Alexandre Cruz dos Santos to its double bass section, marking the orchestra’s first Tutti Double Bass appointments since the late 1980s.
Both Moray and Alexandre have successfully completed an extensive period of audition and trial with the Orchestra, participating in a range of activity including a prestigious residency at the Großes Festspielhaus in Salzburg in 2023, a performance at the Edinburgh International Festival with Elim Chan and Alison Balsom, and RSNO Engagement work including concerts in partnership with Sistema Scotland and the Scottish Refugee Council.
Moray Jones, a Scottish double bassist from Aberdeen, completed his studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Since graduating, he has enjoyed a varied professional career including trials at several major UK orchestras. Discussing his new position, Moray said: “I am delighted and honoured to be joining the RSNO double bass section, which in the past has included many brilliant players and great personalities. I look forward to making wonderful music around Scotland and the world with the amazing musicians of the RSNO.”
Originally from Portugal, Alexandre Cruz dos Santos first studied at the Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa and Guildhall School of Music and Drama before gaining an Artist Diploma from Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofia in 2022. In his professional career, he has performed with a variety of European orchestras and artists. On his appointment to the RSNO, Alexandre said: “My experience with the RSNO so far has been fantastic, educational and inspiring in equal measure. I am really looking forward to the Season Opener concert of Mahler Two and sharing this music that is so dear to me with our Scottish audience.”
Moray Jones and Alexandre Cruz dos Santos will join their colleagues in the RSNO to open the RSNO at the Movies series with sold-out film with orchestra performances of Star Wars: A New Hope in Edinburgh and Glasgow this weekend. Further information on the RSNO’s upcoming Season can be found at rsno.org.uk/whats-on.
Image credits: Martin Shields & Derek Clark.
