Graham is one of the UK’s most sought-after double bass players, chamber musicians and teachers. An alumnus of the Academy, Graham stayed on as a professor of double bass following his graduation. In 1998, that same year, he won the Edinburgh International Double Bass Competition and joined the Philharmonia Orchestra where he worked until 2011. He is currently Principal Double Bass of English National Opera and the Nash Ensemble. He is regularly a guest with the Berlin Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestra of Europe and has served as guest principal bass in Britain’s finest orchestras.
Graham is in global demand as a chamber musician and has made award-winning recordings and performed in all the major concerts and festivals with many notable musical partners, including Steven Isserlis, Anthony Marwood, Pekka Kuusisto, Imogen Cooper, the Belcea, Navarra, Elias, and Takacs Quartets and the Gould, Florestan and Kungsbacka Piano Trios.
In recent years, Graham has held the position of Senior Professor of Double Bass at the Academy and has led the Bass Faculty with distinction. This title recognises Graham’s significant leadership and mentoring role for over twenty years, changing the lives of many great young bass players who are now scattered throughout the world in prominent and esteemed chairs.
In carrying this prestigious name, Graham will keep to the fore the pedagogical inspiration of Dr Koussevitzsky.
Jo Cole
October 2021
It is a great honour and privilege to be conferred the title Serge Koussevitzky Professor of Double Bass. Dr Koussevitzky was one of the most influential double bass players and pedagogues in the world as well as being a distinguished conductor and advocate of contemporary music. He is one of the biggest influences on how I teach and is an inspiration to bass players worldwide. I look forward to carrying on this great name into the future at the Royal Academy of Music.
Graham Mitchell