Andy Read

At the age of 9, Andy Read won a choral scholarship to Magdalen College, Oxford. At 17, he was awarded a place at the Royal College of Music, London, where he studied piano, violin and organ. As a professional violinist, he has played at London Sadlers Wells, The National Theatre, The Talk of the Town and was Principal Violinist for the D’Oyly Carte Opera Orchestra.

From that point onwards he specialised as a keyboard player and has worked extensively in the theatre. He was Assistant Musical Director for the original London West End Productions of Pirates of Penzance, Blondel, The Wiz, Les Miserables and We Will Rock You. As Musical Director, he worked on The Mikado, Fiddler on the Roof, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and By Jeeves. Other West End credits include Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, Starlight Express and Mamma Mia.

Away from the theatre, Andy has had a diverse career. He was accompanist for the international vocal group Cantabile, performing in more than 400 concert and TV appearances. For many years, Andy worked with Marti Webb, both as her Musical Director and keyboard player. For 10 years, he was pianist for Dame Shirley Bassey, performing in many recordings and concerts around the world. As a composer, his Combined Arts Project for schools entitled AURORA was selected for presentation at the annual Arts and Music Specialisms Conference at the Barbican Centre, London. His original songbook, ‘Songs for Young Singers’ was published and his album of original music for trumpet and orchestra ‘The Last Rose of Summer’ is on general release.

Andy Read is Musical Director and Vocal Coach for Belinda King Creative Productions, overseeing resident shows for Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn Luxury Cruises. He is also a freelance performer and teacher specialising in piano, vocal coaching, aural awareness, fast track theory, composition and improvisation.