Meet the rising stars of the Orion Orchestra as they share their journeys — from personal achievements to the opportunities and inspiration they’ve found with us.
Leif Tse, conductor
Leif Tse is a British-Canadian conductor and former baritone whose work spans symphonic and operatic repertoire. A finalist in the 59th Besançon International Conducting Competition, his 2024/25 season includes debuts in Canada and Portugal. A Christopher Hogwood Scholar, he trained at the Royal College of Music and has been mentored by Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Jukka-Pekka Saraste.
Wooju Baik
Korean conductor Wooju Baik is the 1st Prize Winner of the Ionel Perlea and Romania Conducting Competitions. A scholarship student at the Royal College of Music London, he has worked with leading orchestras across Europe and is especially passionate about opera, with repertoire including Tosca, La Bohème, and Don Giovanni.
Wilbert Chan, Cello
“It has always been a pleasure to play with the orchestra. Not only is it a good way to learn new orchestral repertoire, it is also an opportunity to work with great musicians like Nicholas Daniel OBE”
Catriona Lockhart, oboe
“Performing with Orion I’ve covered some of the main repertoire as well as new commissions and compositions by composers such as Eleanor Alberga, and Hannah Kendall. It’s been very rewarding to be able to share these musical explorations with like-minded young musicians who are at a similar stage of their careers.”
Harry Nim, Violin
“The Orion Orchestra has given me the opportunity to work with and meet like-minded and exceptional musicians, providing an environment where I can engage and collaborate closely with peers, while also expanding my orchestral expertise. My engagement with Orion Orchestra has enhanced my experience with orchestral performance, and provides the ability to share that knowledge with the next generation of musicians, reinforcing my commitment to music education.”
Aaliyah Booker, violin
“It has been such a joy to work with the Orion Orchestra since 2023. I am truly honoured to have played with such an amazing ensemble, and to play such diverse repertoire under the baton of Toby Purser and Nicholas Daniel. It is so special to make music with close friends and colleagues and I am excited for future projects with the orchestra.”
Kynan Walker
British-Japanese violinist Kynan Walker is an RCM Scholar studying with Emily Sun at the Royal College of Music, supported by the Dr Susan Lim Scholarship and playing on a Vuillaume violin. He performs with the London Symphony Orchestra through their String Experience Scheme and is a founding member of the prize-winning Isla String Quartet, with appearances at Wigmore Hall, Conway Hall, and the Britten Pears Young Artists’ Programme.
Gwydion Rhys
Welsh musician and composer Gwydion Rhys is pursuing an MMus in Composition at the Royal College of Music with Mark-Anthony Turnage, having graduated with first-class honours in 2025. Winner of the RCM’s Elgar Memorial Prize for Composition and the Urdd National Eisteddfod Composition Medal, his works have been performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Bangor Music Festival, and premiered at the RCM.
Denver Blancio
Demver has been a member of the Orion Orchestra since 2017, often leading the Second Violins under conductors Toby Purser and Nicholas Daniel. A Guildhall graduate, he also performs with ensembles including Gabrieli and Norwich Baroque and is a dedicated violin tutor and music educator in London and Essex.
Orion’s Alumni - Where are they now?
Orion’s players have gone onto successful careers across the musical world. Below are just a few of the top musicians whose early careers were helped along by Orion’s work…
Peter Facer Oboe - Britten Sinfonia - Principal
David Stark - Principle Bass - BBC National Orchestra of Wales
William Knight - Clarinet – Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Oliver Roberts - Flute – Orchestra of Scottish Opera
Felix Tanner - Viola - no 2 - Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Liam Buckley - Viola – Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Claire Wickes - Flute – principle – English National Opera Orchestra
Hetty Snell - Cello – Orchestra of the Royal Opera House - Principle
Anna Blackmore - Principle 2nd Violin – Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Anna Hashimoto - Prof of Clarinet at Birmingham Conservertoire
Laurence Unglass - Double Bass - John Wilson Orchestra
David Edmunds - Cello - Ulster Orchestra
Sarah Joyce - Cello - RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Ireland
Margarita Kangron - Cellist - is now an Agent with IMG Artist
Phoebe Fullbrook – Snape Maltings Education Officer
Chris Cotter – Trumpet – Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Fraser Keddie - Viola - Royal Swedish Orchestra
Evangeline Tang – Bass - On trial with London Symphony Orchestra
Silvia Bettoli - Principal Horn - Orchestra Sinfonica Siciliana, Palermo Sicily