Russell Gillespie was born in Ireland and has been living in England since 1974. He studied flute with Clare Southworth and later with Colin Chambers, former principal flute of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. He continued and completed his studies in 1990 at the Royal Academy of Music in London, under Richard Taylor and Lisa Beznosiuk with whom he also studied the baroque and classical flute. Russell has performed for many of the world's leading exponents of the flute including Sir James Galway, Geoffrey Gilbert, Paula Robison, and William Bennett.

Russell combined a busy freelance orchestral career for many years between London and the North West, performing with many of the leading UK symphony orchestras in a wide range of chamber and orchestral venues under the direction of such conductors and artists as Libor Pesek, Owain Arwel Hughes, Melvyn Tan and Vernon Handley. He now enjoys a successful and versatile career performing as a soloist, recitalist and chamber musician for various musical and cultural associations throughout the UK, Europe and Asia.

Since 1995 Russell has worked in partnership with the harpist Lauren Scott in the "Arabesque Duo" who perform extensively throughout the UK. They have released two critically acclaimed CDs, including world premiere recordings of works for flute and harp. For further information regarding the Duo, please visit -

www.arabesque-duo.com

Actively involved in music education since 1984, Russell has established his reputation as a highly regarded and sought after teacher. He runs a private teaching practice from his studio based in Cheshire. For further information, please visit -

www.russell-gillespie.com