Alec Smith - Cello
Alec started learning the cello at the age of 7 through the Suzuki method and quickly developed a passion for music. He has since studied at the Birmingham Conservatoire from 2014-2015, and then completed his undergraduate studies with Chris Hoyle, Leonard Elschenbroich, and Eduardo Vassalo at RNCM, graduating in 2020.
Throughout his time at the RNCM, Alec pursued his passion of chamber music, forming the Innsaei quartet in 2016 and joining the Deanach piano trio in 2017, studying with tutors Donald Grant, Pavel Fischer, Petr Prause, and many more. He went on to perform as a finalist in multiple prizes with his chamber ensembles and was awarded first place with the Deanach trio in the Nossek prize in 2019.
Alec also performs as an Orchestral musician, participating in the Professional Experience Scheme with the BBC Philharmonic in 2018-2019 and has since worked with other orchestras such as the Welsh National Opera and London Concertante. Since graduating, Alec has continued to perform in concerts and masterclasses across Europe. In 2022 Alec formed the Iliad string trio, with whom he travelled across America, spending some time abroad and performing on ships for a variety of audiences.
More recently, Alec has returned to Manchester and is excited to start working with the Aestus Quartet. He continues to perform regularly as a chamber musician across the UK.