Biography
Russell studied at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester and subsequently at the Royal College of Music, where he was awarded a scholarship to study piano with Head of Keyboards Andrew Ball and composition with Timothy Salter.
Russell has composed works for many different ensembles. His compositions have been performed by distinguished musicians at major venues including the Wigmore Hall, the Library Theatre Luton, the Purcell Room and the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Invisible Landscapes for cello and organ is featured on a CD recorded by Svyati Duo and released by Regent Records. Russell has also had musicals developed at the National Theatre Studio. The 2011-2012 season includes a number of UK and overseas performances and premieres of Russell's work. For further information please see the Future Performances page.
Also in demand as pianist, Russell has performed in many venues across the U.K, including the Bridgewater Hall and Conway Hall. As a chamber musician he has given concerts with various ensembles throughout the country, including performances of the Brahms Piano Trios and Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunnaire. He has given many critically acclaimed recitals with his duo partner, cellist Rebecca Hewes, with whom he was a featured artist for the Concordia Foundation and shortlisted artist for the Park Lane Group.
Russell works extensively in education and outreach, composing major pieces for
English Touring Opera, Rambert Dance Company, Southwark Playhouse, and
Sheffield Theatres. Works for these companies have been performed at
the Queen's Theatre Hornchurch, Tate Modern Gallery, National Portrait
Gallery, Sheffield Crucible, Soho Theatre and Ripon Cathedral.
In addition to his composition and performing schedule, Russell is an examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and teaches Musicianship and Composition at the Royal College of Music Junior Department.