Helen Sherrah-Davies

Helen Sherrah-Davies

American violinist, pianist and composer
Country: USA

Content:
  1. Biography of Helen Sherra-Davis
  2. Early Career
  3. Musical Exploration and Change in Direction
  4. Current Career and Musical Style
  5. Notable Achievements
  6. Inspiration and Hobbies

Biography of Helen Sherra-Davis

Early Life and Education

Helen Sherra-Davis is an American violinist, pianist, and composer. She was born in the United Kingdom and cannot imagine her life without music. At the age of four, she started taking piano lessons, and at six, she added violin lessons to her musical pursuits. When she was eight years old, Helen received a scholarship to study at the prestigious Chetham's School of Music in Manchester. Two teachers at this school, her piano teacher Heather Slade-Lupkin and violin teacher Nanny Jamieson, had a significant influence on shaping Helen's musical style.

Helen Sherrah-Davies

Early Career

Upon completing her education at the age of nineteen, Helen spent several years furthering her musical education in Cambridge. From a young age, she performed in numerous concerts, including solo piano and violin performances, duets, quartets, and orchestral compositions. She spent two summers in Italy, working with the Montepulciano Festival Orchestra. Helen taught at the Yehudi Menuhin School and the States of Jersey School, conducted the Jersey Intermediate Orchestra, and performed on Radio Jersey.

Musical Exploration and Change in Direction

One evening, Helen heard a jazz violinist perform in a pub and realized that music exists in different dimensions beyond her classical education. This inspired her to explore other genres, particularly jazz. She began recording and performing with jazz pianist Mike Hatcher, bassist Herbie Flowers, and guitarist Dylan Keay. Helen also enrolled in a jazz and popular music studio program at Goldsmiths College, which clarified her path forward. Her journey in jazz led her to Boston, where she received a scholarship to study jazz violin and composition at Berklee College of Music.

Current Career and Musical Style

After completing her studies at Berklee and receiving the Most Valuable Player award, Helen became a master of fantastic improvisation. She continued her education at the New England Conservatory. Helen's musical style is a complex and dynamic blend of acoustic and electronic sounds with unexpected colors, rhythms, and incorporating national motifs. Through her music, she aims to tell stories and connect with listeners through the prism of sound.

Notable Achievements

From September 2005 to May 2006, Helen performed in the Berkeley String Orchestra and twice had the honor of presenting her compositions at Women's Musicians Network concerts. In October 2009, she recorded a well-received concert with Ryles Jazz Club in Cambridge.

Inspiration and Hobbies

Helen draws inspiration from a wide range of musical styles and genres, from Beethoven to American jazz artist Keith Jarrett. Her hobbies include astronomy, archaeology, psychology, and traveling.

© BIOGRAPHS