Jane Atkins
What got you interested in music?
As a toddler, I used to sit playing with my toys on the floor while my Mum did the ironing. She always listened to BBC radio 3 and every time a violin was playing, I asked what instrument made that sound. I requested a violin for my 4th birthday and that was that!
Name your favourite Scottish Ensemble collaboration and why?
Working with Sitar player and composer Jasdeep Singh Degun and tabla player Harkiret Singh Bahra was wonderful. I learnt so much about rhythmic patterns, Indian ragas and how one can achieve flexibility and variation within a musical structure. They were also the most humble and generous musicians I’ve ever worked with.
Where is your favourite place in Scotland?
The Isle of Rona – rugged beauty, no people, no shops, no internet! Just deer, seals, walking and wild swimming.
If you could see Scottish Ensemble collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?
Akram Khan – he is such an exceptional dancer and choreographer, with the ability to integrate ancient and modern culture. I would find him very inspiring to work with, as I have in the past, and he would bring a challenging and vibrant dimension to Scottish Ensemble.
Biography
As a soloist and recitalist, chamber and orchestral musician, Jane Atkins is one of Britain’s most versatile violists. Her performances encompass multiple genres, ranging from baroque to contemporary music, visual art to dance.
Attending the Yehudi Menuhin School from the age of six and completing her studies with David Takeno at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Jane won the LPO/ Pioneer Young Soloist of the Year competition and gained second place in the Lionel Tertis competition before graduating. She has appeared as a soloist throughout the UK and Europe, also performing as a recitalist and chamber musician in festivals worldwide.
Whilst principal viola with Chamber Orchestra of Europe and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Jane collaborated with conductors, composers and performers including Joseph Swenson, Robin Ticciati, Oliver Knussen, John McLeod, Marieke Blankensteijn, Llyr Williams, Alexander Janicek and Hugo Ticciati, delivering highly acclaimed performances.
Jane is a member of Scottish Ensemble and also enjoys a varied freelance career as guest principal viola with orchestras and ensembles, and frequently coaches young musicians of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, Edinburgh Youth Orchestra and Chineke! Juniors. She teaches at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
