Transforming Communities

Alumni Musicians – Life After LMN

Live Music Now musicians often share heart warming stories from the people they meet and play to. Today we want to share the story of two musicians who found each other through Live Music Now.

Annabel Thwaite was recommended to audition for LMN by the late Noelle Barker. She won a place on the scheme following a competitive audition in 2006, 'My time on LMN gave me invaluable performing experience, I was able to really stop worrying about what people thought but rather, create magic and a lasting impression. Seeing someone who hadn't spoken or made any reaction for years sing along to a famous melody is a memory that will last a lifetime.'

Who could have predicted that Live Music Now would also introduce her to the man who would become her performing partner, husband and father of her child, Viola player Matthew Jones.

We asked Annabel if it was love at first sight; 'I'm afraid I didn't notice him at first because he was on my panel for our Live Music Now audition… I was too involved in the performance!'

Matthew Jones was a recent graduate from LMN and was sitting on the panel as an alumnus for the first time when he saw Annabel. They would later perform together when Matthew stepped in at short notice when Annabel's ensemble member was taken ill.

Matthew and Annabel worked together as a duo following her time with LMN. Their most recent recording Reflections was named BBC Music Magazine's Chamber CD of the Month. This February they will perform duo concerts together in France, The Isle of Man, York Chamber Music Festival as well as a concerto at Milton Court, the new concert hall in the Barbican.

Annabel is an Associated Board examiner and her work takes her to far flung places like Singapore and Southend on Sea but she says 'my favourite job is being a mummy to our little girl, Emma. We have both had some amazing experiences as performers but nothing prepares you for parenthood. I can honestly say that she is the best thing that has ever happened in our lives.'