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RCM musicians appointed to prestigious positions in the world’s leading orchestras

Monday 22 September 2025

Royal College of Music alumni continue to make their mark across the global music landscape, securing top positions in the world’s most prestigious orchestras and ensembles. 

Adam Lee has been appointed co-principal clarinet of the BBC Symphony Orchestra just two years after graduating from the Royal College of Music, following his recent tenure as principal clarinet of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. The BBC Symphony Orchestra also welcomed two RCM-trained cellists, Wallis Power and Jane Lindsay, to its ranks this autumn. 

Flautist Imogen Royce joined the London Symphony Orchestra in August 2024 while further appointments within the UK’s leading orchestras include percussionist Joe Richards who becomes the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra’s principal percussionist in October 2025 and Rich Cartlidge who was appointed section leader timpani of the Ulster Orchestra earlier this year. 

Amadea Dazeley-Gaist graduated from the College last summer and earned her position as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s principal horn recently. She commented: ‘By the end of my studies at the Royal College of Music, my professional career was already well under way, all thanks to the College and its community. Throughout my time, I was fortunate to have various superb teachers whose guidance and support was invaluable. The many masterclasses and other performance opportunities, led by world-class musicians, helped me to set professional standards for myself, and the dedication of the College’s student community was hugely inspiring and motivating. Most importantly, thanks to my teachers’ experience and network, I was gradually introduced to the professional world, and this kickstarted my career as a horn player.’ 

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Several of this year’s graduates have also already received major appointments within weeks of celebrating their graduation from the College. Clement Pickering became principal viola of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Will Duerden earned the principal double bass position in the Royal Northern Sinfonia and Maria Filippova has become principal second flute of the Academy of Ancient Music.  

Royal College of Music talent continues to shine on the international stage. Current RCM student Siping Guo has been named principal bassoon of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, while fellow bassoonist and recent graduate Bruce Parris has taken up a position withing the Göteborg Opera Orchestra in Sweden. Across the Atlantic, Ha Young Jung has recently been appointed principal double bass of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra while Jane (Hyeonjin) Cho joins the San Francisco Symphony’s second violin section this month. 

Find out more about studying at the Royal College of Music, the Global No.1 institution for Music and Performing Arts (QS 2025), where students are nurtured and equipped with the skills and artistry to excel on the world stage.