bio

Tom Hardy is a freelance bassoon and contra bassoon player and has played with many of the UK's leading orchestras and ensembles including the English Chamber Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, Welsh National Opera, City of London Sinfonia, Academy of St Martin’s in the Fields, and the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra as well as working for several years as the bassoon player in the classic West End production of "42nd Street" at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. For the last three years Tom has been a regular extra player with the Ulster Orchestra in Belfast.

Tom studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (GGSM Hons) studying with Ian Cuthill and Dominic Weir (contra) and followed this with post graduate studies at National Centre for Orchestral Studies (under Goldsmith’s College, London).

Whilst at the Guildhall he won Young Musician of the Year for Buckinghamshire which was judged by Lady Barbirolli (Evelyn Rothwell) who singled out his capacity to communicate his enthusiasm for the music as the element that gained him this prize. This led to a concerto being written for him by Colin Cowles which he performed with the Bucks County Youth Orchestra.

Chamber music is central to Tom's career. He was a founder member of two wind chamber groups - Etesian Winds wind quintet and Concertone  (wind and piano ensemble) and currently plays with several London based chamber groups including The Blaze Ensemble The Globe Wind Quintet and the bassoon quartet Reed Rage. 

Tom is also the sub-principal bassoon player of The Orchestra of St. Paul's.

Tom combines his freelance work with educational work which he is passionate about and enjoys a busy teaching and coaching schedule. He is currently teaching for Sutton Music Service Saturday School. The London Oratory School and Newland House School in Teddington as well as privately. He coaches the wind of Sutton Youth Symphony Orchestra as well as several adult amateur orchestras in London. His enthusiasm and friendly manner make him a popular coach both for adults and younger players.

Enquires to do with orchestral work should be directed to Morgensterns Diary Service.