Lucy Phillips

Lucy Phillips has been a violin tutor at the University of Sheffield since October 2016.

She graduated from the University of York, where she studied violin with Jonathan Sparey and Simon Jones. During her time there she developed a particular interest in Baroque music and took part in a masterclass with Andrew Manze. She went on to complete a Masters in Performance at the University of Limerick with Romanian violinist Mariana Sîrbu, and received coaching in chamber music from Ferenc Szücs, Bruno Giuranna and Hugh Maguire.

In 2009 Lucy moved to Sheffield to develop her work as a freelance performer and teacher. She is one half of a violin and cello duo with Jonny Ingall – they are both passionate about introducing their audiences to lesser-known works. Recent performances as a duo include at Classical Sheffield’s Classical Weekend 2019 and in Annabelle Lawson’s inspire concert series.

In January 2020 they performed the inaugural concert of the new Sounds of the City concert series in St Matthew’s Church, Carver Street. They have also established their own regular Sunday afternoon concert series at Fulwood Old Chapel, Sheffield.

In 2019 the couple embarked on a new project with the Friends of Greenhill Library when they led a “Music for Kids” day. They performed original incidental music, composed by Jonny, to illustrate the stories of Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs. They also ran sessions introducing their instruments to young children. They are now developing this work further, including visits to local primary schools and setting more stories to music.

Lucy also gives regular solo recitals and has worked with pianists David Hammond, Tim Horton, Tom Owen, Inja Stanović and Beate Toyka. In 2017 she completed a cycle of the complete Beethoven violin sonatas in Sheffield. She also has an occasional duo partnership with organist Mark Swinton, with whom she recorded The Lark in the Chapel in 2015. In 2017 they  premiered Scherzo Diabolique, written for them by composer David Briggs. Since January 2022 she has been leader of the Chesterfield Symphony Orchestra.