Julian’s interest in the role of the arts within the wider community has led to him being very active as a workshop leader, mentor, and consultant.  In addition to his work with Open Academy, he works regularly with Wigmore Hall, for whom he has devised Chamber Tots, an acclaimed project for early years settings, and Chamber Challenge which has taken him, and the Belcea, Royal and Navarra Quartets into primary schools across the country.  The last few years have seen him involved in a wide variety of projects including devising and leading Britten Sinfonia’s Starting Out project for children from eight primary schools in Norwich and their teachers, and working alongside dancers and singers for ENO Baylis to devise performances inspired by Orfeo and La Boheme for adults with learning difficulties.  Julian also regularly leads projects for Spitalfields Festival, including a long standing relationship with Phoenix Special School in Bow, devising music theatre and multi-media pieces, collaborating with the director Hazel Gould and video artist Ellie Rees.  In addition, he plays with the organisation Music for Life, who explore making music alongside people with dementia, discovering the benefits for people with this condition, and those that care for them.  Julian maintains a strong connection with Live Music Now, mentoring younger musicians as they begin to work in community settings, and leading training sessions.

As an oboist and performer, Julian’s commitment to new music has led to him taking part in premiers of new works by composers including Julian Grant, Errolyn Wallen, Ken Hesketh, David Knotts, and Judith Weir.  This summer he premiered Alasdair Nicolson’s Twittering Machine at the Edinburgh International Festival, and eight new works by young composers at the St Magnus Festival, as part of a resident ensemble for the Composers Course.