Angharad Thomas

In April 2023, Angharad was appointed Principal 2nd Bassoon of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in Manchester

She has performed with many of the UK’s most prestigious orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Hallé, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and both English and Welsh National Operas.

Born in Cardiff, Angharad began her studies at the Junior Department of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama with Robert Codd. She went on to read Music at the University of Oxford, where she held both academic and instrumental scholarships at New College, graduating with First Class Honours. Returning to New College, Angharad completed her Masters in Music with Distinction in 2015. She went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music with Robin O’Neill, John Orford, Amy Harman and Fraser Gordon. During this time, she was generously supported by a Leverhulme Postgraduate Scholarship. She graduated with Distinction (DipRAM) in 2017.

Angharad’s orchestral highlights include performing Vaughan Williams 4 and Tippett 4 at the BBC Proms with Sir Andrew Davis, and recording Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du soldat with Oliver Knussen at Snape Maltings. Outside of her orchestral career, Angharad is passionate about her teaching and involvement in music education. Since her appointment in Manchester, Angharad has acted as both performer and narrator for the BBC Philharmonic’s Musical Storyland series on BBC iPlayer and live on tour across the UK.

Outside of her career as a bassoonist, Angharad enjoys a dip in the Salford Docks and exploring new running routes through the Chorlton Nature Reserve.

Image: Greg Barker