Chris Eastman - Violin

I've been a member of TSO since 2011, mostly (to my initial surprise) as leader.

My musical career has gone almost full circle since I gained my earliest orchestral experiences in Torbay with South Devon Music Centre and then the Devon Youth Orchestra, with whom I toured internationally and played in high profile concerts at the Royal Festival and Royal Albert Halls.

Studying music at Manchester University gave me a love of playing and promoting contemporary music - something that I think is central to TSO's ethos - including it's incredible influence on modern pop, rock and dance genres.

Completing the circle, I am Head of Music at my alma mater, Torquay Boys's Grammar School, which puts as many demands on my skills as a pianist, rock guitarist and conductor as it does on my violin playing.  I am passionate about giving as many children as I can the opportunity to write and play the live music that they love, whether that is at a classical concert or a pop festival.  My two young children have just started their own musical journeys with sessions at SaMMS and drum (!) lessons.